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Samson Dropped From Champions Trophy Due To Indiscipline? KCA President Reveals

Muskaan Bhatt

Sanju Samson has been excluded from Champions Trophy 2025 squad [Source: @chinmayshah28/X]Sanju Samson has been excluded from Champions Trophy 2025 squad [Source: @chinmayshah28/X]

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Sanju Samson's exclusion from India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad has sparked controversy, with Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) president Jayesh George's remarks regarding Samson's “one-line text” surfacing amidst all the drama. Despite his excellent performances, including two centuries in the T20I series against South Africa, was left out of the squad.

However a reason behind this decision could to be his lack of appearance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's most senior 50-over domestic competition, especially considering that there were only a handful of ODI games India would play before the Champions Trophy. Had Sanju Samson played the tournament, he could have further backed his case with good performance in the tournament.

While talking about Sanju and his absence, Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) president Jayesh George revealed that Samson had sent KCA a "one-line text" informing them of his non-availability in the camp.

“I am not sure if Samson missing the tournament was the reason he was excluded. The reason he was not added in the Vijay Hazare squad was because he sent a one-line text saying he would not be available for the 30-member preparatory camp. We were all of the impression that he would be leading the team since he is our white-ball captain and had led in the SMAT season as well,” he said.

KCA President Lashes Out At Sanju Samson

He further bashed the India star while implying that he has forgetting his Kerala roots and not  showing up for participating contradicted the association's expectations and the team's preparations.

“So we went ahead and announced the squad and later he sent a message stating he is available for selection. Be it Sanju Samson or any other player, KCA has a policy in place that needs to be respected. We all know that Sanju does not need a camp to come into the squad, but is the Kerala team one that he can come and represent only when he feels like? 

How did Samson reach the Indian team? It was only through the KCA. That doesn’t mean you turn up only when you feel like for the Kerala team,” George told MediaOne.

Meanwhile, a report by Abhishek Tripathi suggested that Gautam Gambhir was vouching for Samson's inclusion in the team however Agarkar and Rohit were aligned in backing Rishabh Pant for the position.