Indian cricket selectors don't just pick teams. They spark national arguments. The announcement on June 21 for the upcoming three-match ODI series in England did exactly that. Fresh off a spectacular T20 World Cup triumph earlier this summer, the national selection panel opted for continuity in some areas. In others, they ruthlessly froze out certain star performers. KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan secured the two designated wicketkeeper spots for the 50-over leg. It was a decision that instantly sidelined several high-profile contenders who felt they had done enough to merit selection.
This specific selection policy left many pundits scratching their heads. It is particularly baffling given the sensational form displayed by certain overlooked individuals during the recent domestic calendar.
AB de Villiers reacts to the Sanju Samson snub
Sanju Samson commands a massive, vocal following. His absence from the 50-over squad raised immediate questions across the cricket ecosystem. He had carried his Player of the Tournament form from the global T20 showcase straight into a prolific Indian Premier League season with Chennai Super Kings. The elegant batter seemed primed for a prolonged run across all formats.
Instead, the selectors confined his white-ball duties to the shorter format for the Ireland and England matches. This decision looks even more startling when you contrast it with the complete omission of Rishabh Pant from both limited-overs squads.
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers offered his perspective on this selection conundrum via his YouTube channel. The legendary modern great suggested that the selectors must have deliberated long and hard over the dynamic Kerala stumper. Samson stood significantly closer to booking his ticket for the English ODI leg than his contemporary Pant. De Villiers pointed directly to the sheer weight of runs and the undeniable technical rhythm that the right-hander displayed throughout the IPL.
While the master batsman expressed no immense shock at the final inclusion of experienced hands like Rahul and Kishan, he maintained a distinct empathy for the Chennai Super Kings star. Subcontinental selection meetings often yield harsh realities for players who seemingly check every single box regarding recent form and momentum. Selectors favoured different tactical profiles for the English pitches.
De Villiers firmly believes Samson remains right on the periphery of the primary 50-over setup. This subtle nod from one of the game's greatest ever innovators confirms that the batsman's current international exile remains a matter of fierce debate rather than a reflection of declining ability.
"Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul are the two top wicket-keepers. The big thing is there is no Pant, no Samson. Samson must have been close, closer than Pant, as he had a really good IPL and also, prior to that, showed signs of form. Not a lot of surprises there, but just for Samson, I feel he was close," De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
