Sanju Samson made 6 runs in his last 3 T20Is before being dropped from Indian team.
Former India cricketers Ambati Rayudu and Sanjay Manjrekar have come in support of batter-keeper Sanju Samson. Their words came after Samson, the Player of the Tournament in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 win, was dropped from India XI for the second T20I against England in Manchester on July 4.
Samson, who made only 6 runs in his last 3 T20Is for India, made way for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who made his India debut at 15 years and 99 days, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the youngest Indian to make an international debut.
India did not specify the reason behind the change to their playing XI for the second T20I against England.
Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu thought Samson would get another chance and battle his way back into the starting lineup while Sooryavanshi was the center of attention.
“Let’s spare a thought for Sanju Samson.. very happy to see Vaibhav make his debut and it deserves a celebration but let’s not forget that Sanju was the man of the tournament in the t20 world cup just 3 t20 games ago. I just hope he comes back strong and also wish Vaibhav a very long and a record shattering career," Rayudu posted on X.
Sanjay Manjrekar also supported Sanju Samson and slammed the Indian team management for dropping him after only three poor outings.
“Great to see Vaibhav in India colors. But what about Samson! Dropped?? Are you kidding me! No, I guess, injured. Let’s hope it’s injury. Or it’s the most bizarre selection. Could have easily batted at 3 if you wanted to get Vaibhav in,” Manjrekar posted on X.
Samson had an excellent T20 World Cup 2026, scoring 321 runs in just 5 games with 97* against West Indies in a must-win game for India and then two scores of 89 against England in the semi-final and New Zealand in the final, respectively.