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No Sanju Samson In Duleep Trophy! South Zone Snubs RR Skipper For Ex-CSK Player

Soumyajit Dutta

Sanju Samson [Source: @sarfarosh12/X.com]Sanju Samson [Source: @sarfarosh12/X.com]

In a surprising move, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been left out of South Zone's squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, continuing his recent exclusion from domestic cricket. This marks his second consecutive omission after missing Kerala's Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign last season.

The decision has raised questions as five other Kerala players made the cut, with Samson's absence coming at a crucial time when his position in India's T20 setup appears uncertain ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

Why Was Sanju Samson Snubbed?

While clearing out the reason behind Sanju Samson's omission, South Zone selection committee chairman Thalaivan Sargunam Xavier explained that Sanju's absence last season is the primary cause, as reported by TOI.

"Sanju Samson was not selected because he was unavailable for much of last year's Ranji Trophy season, when Kerala made their historic run to the final. This squad was picked based on players who have consistently performed well in the Ranji Trophy and during India A tours," Thalaivan Sargunam Xavier told TOI.

Former CSK player Narayan Jagadeesan, who also had an Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy call-up, has been preferred as the team's wicketkeeper over Samson, whose limited red-ball appearances last season, just two Ranji Trophy matches due to injuries and international commitments, appear to have cost him a spot.

Samson's Troubled Future

The snub adds to growing uncertainty around Samson's career trajectory, despite reports suggesting Rajasthan Royals have no plans to release him amid speculation of Chennai Super Kings' interest. His continued absence from domestic tournaments could further dent his chances of an India recall in the near future.

South Zone will begin their Duleep Trophy campaign on August 28, with Samson forced to watch from the sidelines once again as questions linger over his next move in domestic cricket.

South Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2025

Tilak Varma (c) (Hyderabad), Mohammed Azharuddeen (vc) (Kerala), Tanmay Agarwal (Hyderabad), R Sai Kishore (Tamil Nadu), Tanay Thyagarajan (Hyderabad), Vijaykumar Vyshak (Karnataka), Nidheesh MD (Kerala), Ricky Bhui (Andhra), Devdutt Padikkal (Karnataka), Mohit Kale (Pondicherry), Salman Nizar (Kerala), Narayan Jagadeesan (Tamil Nadu), Tripurana Vijay (Andhra), Basil NP (Kerala), Gurjapneet Singh (Tamil Nadu), Snehal Kauthankar (Goa)