Sanju Samson snub in Zimbabwe Series is 'Absolutely Unfair', says Coach Biju George| Exclusive

The BCCI has 'rested' Sanju Samson from India's 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, scheduled for later this month in Harare.

The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter, who emerged as the Player of the Tournament in India's triumphant 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, has faced a swift reversal in fortunes. After three unsuccessful outings, he was replaced by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the England series, and now the subsequent 'rest' for Zimbabwe tour has put the team management and selectors under scrutiny.

Samson's recent lean patch-scoring just 5, 0, and 1 across Ireland and England tours-led to him being benched in favour of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the ongoing England series. Selectors have opted for youth, handing a maiden call-up to Prabhsimran Singh as the backup keeper behind Ishan Kishan.

The decision has sparked debate. While some call it ruthless succession planning, critics argue it risks sending the wrong message to senior performers after just a few failures. The majority of the pundits and experts have questioned the omission, and Kerala's Biju George is one of them.

George, who has shaped Sanju Samson's career and was a big part of his journey from the beginning, voiced his displeasure over his fellow Keralite's omission during an exclusive chat with MyKhel.

"It's absolutely unfair to him because he just won you the World Cup. You have to treat everyone equally, and if you see players who have done much worse than him have got more chances. The players like Sanju Samson have never been given a fair, steady run in the Indian team right from his debut days, on and off, on and off, on and off. But wherever he came in, he has scored runs."

The former KKR fielding coach, currently serving as the head of scout for the Knight Riders, took Sanju to a KKR trial back in 2008. Samson, just 14 back then, had his first big step with 'KKR B Team' and got his first exposure to a big platform. And George said he was feeling pensive for the India star.

"After scoring a century in 50-over cricket, he was dropped. After winning the T20 World Cup, he is dropped again. I feel sad for him."

George also urged the India head coach to play Sanju in the remainder of the England series and believes he will shut the critics if given opportunity.

"I wish Sanju will be given a chance today to play and if he plays, I am sure he will shut the critics and score runs."