Table of Contents
- The Samson Saga: A Pattern of Inconsistency
- Aakash Chopra’s Scathing Assessment
- Sanju Samson’s Recent Performance Record
- Why Jitesh Sharma Is Being Preferred?
- The Broader Implications for Team India
- Conclusion
- Sources
For over a decade, Sanju Samson has walked a tightrope in Indian cricket—hailed as a prodigy, given opportunities, then dropped without clear explanation, only to be recalled when others falter. Now, this cycle has sparked outrage from one of the game’s most respected analysts. Former India opener and prolific commentator Aakash Chopra has called out the national team management for what he describes as a “makes no sense” approach to handling Samson’s career .
The Samson Saga: A Pattern of Inconsistency
Samson’s journey with Team India reads like a rollercoaster with no safety harness. Despite being one of the most elegant batters in domestic cricket and a consistent performer in the IPL—where he’s captained Rajasthan Royals with distinction—he’s rarely been given a sustained run in the national side .
His latest setback came during the India vs Australia T20I series, where he was not just benched but replaced by Jitesh Sharma as the second wicketkeeper, despite having opened the innings in previous matches and delivering solid starts. This sudden shift, without any apparent dip in form or fitness, has left fans and experts baffled.
Aakash Chopra’s Scathing Assessment
On his widely followed YouTube channel, Chopra didn’t mince words. “It makes no sense,” he exclaimed, referring to Samson’s exclusion. “You gave him the role of an opener—a high-responsibility position—and he responded. Now you drop him for someone who hasn’t even played a T20I? Where’s the logic?” .
Chopra argued that if the team management wanted to test Jitesh Sharma, they could have done so in less critical fixtures or by expanding the squad, not by discarding a proven performer mid-series. “Consistency in selection builds confidence. What we’re seeing is the opposite,” he added.
Sanju Samson’s Recent Performance Record
Let’s look at the facts—not speculation:
- In his last 10 T20I innings (as of mid-2025), Samson scored 287 runs at an average of 31.88 and a strike rate of 135+ .
- During the West Indies tour earlier in 2025, he opened the batting and provided two 40+ scores in high-pressure chases.
- In the IPL 2025, he amassed 480+ runs at a strike rate of 142, leading his team to the playoffs.
- He’s one of only three Indian keepers with a T20I century (111* vs Bangladesh in 2024).
By any objective metric, Samson has met—and often exceeded—the expectations placed upon him. Yet, his place remains precarious.
Why Jitesh Sharma Is Being Preferred?
The rise of Jitesh Sharma is not without merit. The Vidarbha stumper has been a domestic powerhouse, smashing records in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His aggressive batting style fits the modern T20 template, and BCCI sees potential in him as a long-term backup to Rishabh Pant .
However, promoting him over Samson—without giving the latter a fair chance to cement his spot— sends a confusing message. As noted by cricket statisticians at ESPNcricinfo, Samson’s international experience and technical fluency make him a more reliable option in overseas conditions .
For fans following [INTERNAL_LINK:india-t20i-squad-analysis], this decision feels less like evolution and more like experimentation at the cost of stability.
The Broader Implications for Team India
This isn’t just about one player. The inconsistent treatment of Sanju Samson reflects a deeper issue in India’s selection philosophy: a lack of long-term vision for the wicketkeeper-batter role beyond Rishabh Pant. With Pant still recovering from injuries, clarity at No. 6 or as an opener is crucial.
Repeatedly shuffling keepers creates uncertainty in the middle order and affects team cohesion. More importantly, it discourages players from taking ownership of their roles. Why invest mentally in a position if you might be dropped after two decent games?
Conclusion
Aakash Chopra’s frustration echoes a sentiment shared by millions of Indian cricket fans: give players a fair chance. Sanju Samson has repeatedly shown he belongs at the highest level. Dropping him not for failure, but for opaque selection policies, does a disservice to his talent and to the team’s long-term planning. In a cricket-crazy nation that craves clarity, “makes no sense” isn’t just a critique—it’s a plea for reason.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘Makes no sense!’ Ex-India cricketer furious over Sanju Samson’s treatment by team management
- Aakash Chopra YouTube Channel: Official Analysis Videos
- ESPNcricinfo: Sanju Samson Player Profile & Stats
- ESPNcricinfo: India’s Wicketkeeper-Batter Conundrum Explained