'Doesn’t Mean You Turn up Only When You Feel Like' - KCA President Message to Sanju Samson After Champions Trophy Snub

Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) president Jayesh George has slammed Sanju Samson after the wicketkeeper-batter's absence from his state's Vijay Hazare Trophy season is believed to be the reason for him being overlooked in India's squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Samson was one of the notable absentees from India's Champion Trophy squad, which was announced by the BCCI on Saturday (January 18). KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant were the two wicketkeepers preferred in the Indian team for the ICC tournament, scheduled to be held in February.

Samson, who is part of the Indian T20I side to face England, was earlier left out of Kerala's Vijay Hazare Trophy squad after had missed a training camp with the state team before the domestic 50-over tournament.

Many, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, felt that Samson missing the VHT could have been the reason for the wicketkeeper's snub from the Champions Trophy squad. George, however, felt this may not be the sole cause, but revealed what led to Samson's omission from the Kerala squad for the VHT.

The KCA President was under the impression that the wicketkeeper would lead the state side in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but his one-line text regarding his unavailability for the preparatory camp forced the board to go ahead and announce the squad.

"I am not sure if Samson missing the tournament was the reason he was excluded. The reason he was not added to the Vijay Hazare squad was because he sent a one-line text saying he would not be available for the 30-member preparatory camp," George was quoted as saying by MediaOne.

"We were all of the impression that he would be leading the team since he is our white-ball captain and had led in the SMAT season as well. So, we went ahead and announced the squad."

The KCA president revealed Samson later sent another text saying he was ready for selection, which was against the board's policies and gave the wicketkeeper a reminder that it was through KCA he reached the Indian team.

"And later he sent a message stating he is available for selection. Be it Sanju Samson or any other player, KCA has a policy in place that needs to be respected. We all know that Sanju does not need a camp to come into the squad, but is the Kerala team one that he can come and represent only when he feels like it? How did Samson reach the Indian team? It was only through the KCA. That doesn't mean you turn up only when you feel like it for the Kerala team," he added.