Harbhajan cited Samson's stunning record in the ODI format to express his surprise.
The 15-member squad didn’t feature wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who has been in terrific form in white-ball cricket lately. Instead, the selectors put faith in KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.
The decision of the team management received backlash from the fans and experts. Now, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has also joined the criticism bandwagon.
In a chat with Switch, Harbhajan expressed his surprise at Samson’s Champions Trophy snub, citing his stunning record in the 50-over format.
Samson has represented India in 16 ODIs so far, scoring 510 runs at an average of 56.66 and a strike-rate of 99.60, including one hundred and three fifties. His last ODI appearance was in December 2023 when he scored 108 against South Africa in Paarl.
“Truly, I feel bad for him. He scores runs but he is dropped. I know you can only select 15, but I feel his batting suits the format. He has an average of 55-56, but he isn't even there as a second wicketkeeper. When we talk about selecting him, people ask, in whose place? Places can be made,” Harbhajan said.
Furthermore, Harbhajan commented on Yuzvendra Chahal's exclusion, stating that the selectors should've included the leg-spinner for added variation.
“Sanju isn't there. Yuzvendra Chahal isn't there, too. You've picked four spinners, two of them are left-armers. You could've included a leg-spinner for variation, too. Chahal is a superb bowler. I don't know what wrong he did that he doesn't fit this team,” Harbhajan added.
India’s Champions Trophy squad features three openers – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. While Harbhajan wanted in-form Jaiswal to open the inning alongside skipper Rohit, he doesn’t see it happening with Gill being named the vice-captain.
“I thought Yashasvi would open, but now, I don't feel that. Shubman Gill is the vice-captain, so he will play. And Yashasvi won't bat at three or four, because Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer will occupy those spots,” Harbhajan remarked.
India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
India squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh