‘Why Does Abhishek Get Chances But Not Sanju?’ Ex-BCCI Selector Srikkanth Questions Team India’s Selection Calls…

Former BCCI chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has openly questioned Team India’s selection decisions after wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was left out of the squad for the recently concluded T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth expressed surprise over Samson’s omission, especially after the Kerala batter played a match-winning role in India’s successful T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The former India captain suggested that the team management appears to be applying different standards when selecting players.

Srikkanth questions ‘different treatment’ for Samson

Srikkanth pointed out that Samson was named the Player of the Tournament during India’s title-winning T20 World Cup campaign and deserved a longer run in the national side.”Samson was the MVP of the World Cup. Why does he not get the chance, and Abhishek gets chances like this? It is a very valid question. Abhishek is getting a long rope; then why not Samson? Why is this happening with one player and not with the other?” Srikkanth said.

His remarks have reignited the debate around Team India’s selection policy, with many fans questioning why Samson failed to retain his place despite delivering on the biggest stage.

Advice for Sanju Samson

While defending Samson’s credentials, Srikkanth also offered constructive advice to the experienced wicketkeeper-batter. He urged Samson to spend more time at the crease instead of playing overly aggressive shots from the outset.

According to Srikkanth, Samson possesses the power to accelerate at any stage of an innings and would benefit from building his innings before shifting gears.”I hope he comes good. He has to find another way of scoring runs. Or the other way out is to probably cool down for a few balls. He is one guy who can always make up. You play at 100 strike rate for a while and then take it to 200 rather than throwing it away,” he added.

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A remarkable World Cup comeback

Samson’s omission has become even more surprising considering his extraordinary turnaround during the T20 World Cup 2026.

After initially being left out of India’s playing XI due to a poor run of form, the wicketkeeper forced his way back into the side and emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest stars.

He finished as India’s highest run-scorer and the third-highest run-getter overall, amassing 321 runs in just five innings at an outstanding average of 80.25 and an explosive strike rate of 199.37.

The 31-year-old also smashed 24 sixes, setting a new record for the most sixes by any batter in a single edition of the T20 World Cup, earning him the coveted Player of the Tournament award.

Selection debate likely to continue

Srikkanth’s comments have once again brought India’s selection process into the spotlight. While youngsters such as Abhishek Sharma continue to receive extended opportunities, questions are now being asked over why a proven performer like Sanju Samson was overlooked immediately after producing one of the finest T20 World Cup campaigns by an Indian batter.

With more white-ball assignments on the horizon, all eyes will be on the BCCI selectors to see whether Samson finds his way back into the squad or if the debate over Team India’s selection policy continues.