Sanju Samson’s omission from the Rest of India squad for the 2024 Irani Cup, despite his outstanding century in the Duleep Trophy, has ignited a significant discussion in Indian cricket circles. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squads on September 24, with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the Rest of India against Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai.
Many fans and pundits were left questioning why Samson, one of the top wicketkeeper-batters in the domestic circuit, was left out of such a prestigious fixture.
The Irani Cup has long been a key fixture in the Indian domestic cricket calendar, traditionally serving as a platform for players who are on the verge of national selection. This annual competition sees the Ranji Trophy champions facing off against a Rest of India team, often composed of top performers from the domestic season.
It’s an opportunity for players to showcase their talents against formidable opponents and potentially earn a call-up to the Indian national team.
Given the stakes, being part of the Rest of India squad is highly coveted, and players see it as a pathway to further their international careers. With this in mind, Samson’s exclusion is all the more surprising, especially after his century in the Duleep Trophy – a tournament that highlights the country’s best talents.
How Has Been Samson’s Recent Form
Samson’s performance in the Duleep Trophy stood out. He scored a century at a crucial juncture, underlining his ability to handle pressure and perform when it matters most. In addition to his batting, his wicketkeeping skills add another layer to his value as a player.
Samson has had a seesawing international career. Despite several impressive innings in white-ball formats for India, he has not been able to cement his place in the squad. However, in domestic cricket, Samson continues to deliver consistent performances, often being Kerala’s key player in the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments.
His recent century was yet another reminder of his talent, which makes his omission from the Irani Cup squad puzzling for many.
Sanju Samson Could be in T20 Squad Against Bangladesh
One of the key reasons cited for Samson’s exclusion is his potential inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, starting on October 6. The Irani Cup is scheduled from October 1 to October 5, leaving a narrow window for any player selected in both the Irani Cup and the T20I squad to switch gears.
Given the tight schedule, it appears that the selectors are keen on keeping Samson fresh for the shorter format series, where he may play a crucial role.
However, this explanation does not satisfy all cricket enthusiasts. Many believe that with the Irani Cup being such an important match, Samson’s form could have been rewarded with selection, especially since he hasn’t been a permanent fixture in the Indian T20I squad.
Selection of Other Wicketkeepers
The selection of Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel as the wicketkeepers in the Rest of India squad further intensified the debate. Kishan, an established name in Indian cricket, has become a regular feature in the T20I setup.
Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel, a promising young player, has shown glimpses of brilliance in the domestic circuit and in the Indian Premier League (IPL), especially with his agile wicketkeeping and sharp finishing abilities with the bat.
The decision to go with these two over Samson could indicate the selectors’ intent to focus on players they believe have a future in India’s white-ball setup. Both Kishan and Jurel represent the future, and their inclusion reflects the selectors’ vision of grooming young talent.
Reaction from Fans and Experts
Samson’s omission has sparked diverse reactions across the cricket community. Fans, particularly from Kerala, were vocal in their displeasure, feeling that their state’s best player had been unfairly overlooked. Social media platforms buzzed with debates and discussions, with many expressing frustration at the selectors for not recognizing Samson’s talent.
On the other hand, several cricket analysts suggested that this decision could be a blessing in disguise for Samson. Missing out on the Irani Cup could allow him to focus on the upcoming T20I series, where strong performances could help solidify his place in the national team.
With India’s packed cricket calendar, the opportunity to play consistently for the national team holds more long-term value than a single Irani Cup appearance.
