Samson was not picked in India ODI squad for SL series despite a century in his previous match.
Sanju Samson’s snub from the upcoming India vs Sri Lanka ODIs was a huge talking point. Samson, who was part of India’s T20 World Cup 2024 winning squad and the recent squad that went to Zimbabwe, was left out of the 3-ODI series against Sri Lanka, but was named in T20I squad.
BCCI selected both KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in the ODI squad as wicketkeepers, leaving no space for Sanju Samson. This was despite Samson scoring a century in the last ODI he played, against South Africa earlier this year.
Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa, when asked about Samson's case, had quite a blunt response, saying it's neither the first time nor the last time that such a case happened with the wicket-keeper batter.
"From Sanju's perspective, this is not the first time he has gone through it? I don't think it will be the last time he will go through it as a player, but Sanju's one-day numbers have been quite incredible. I think, again, with changes in the leadership group or changes within the leadership group. Things have to kind of settle down a little bit and we as fans and supporters of the Indian cricket team have to give that space to kind of settle down as well," Uthappa said on Sony Sports Network.
As for Samson's future in the ODI team, Uthappa believes the Kerala star is still in contention, but he will need to put up quality performances anytime he is given the opportunity.
"So, I think Sanju is not out of contention as with any other player. I think. It's a matter of time, and he will get his opportunity, but when the opportunities do come, he will have to grab those opportunities to make sure he steps up with solid performances that keep him in the running," Uthappa said.
Meanwhile, Samson will look to impress the selectors if he gets a chance in the 3-T20I series between India and Sri Lanka that starts July 27.