New Delhi: Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has reignited the ongoing debate surrounding Sanju Samson's exclusion from the Indian cricket team, raising pointed questions about why the talented Malayali batsman continues to be ignored despite a sterling record in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League.
Karthik, who played 68 Test matches and 148 ODIs for India between 2004 and 2018, made his comments in a recent interaction where he highlighted Samson's remarkable consistency as a key reason he deserves a more prominent place in national squad considerations. The former India captain emphasized that Samson's run-scoring ability across formats, particularly his aggressive yet calculated approach at the top of the order or in the middle order, makes him a valuable asset that the selection committee has repeatedly failed to capitalize on.
Sanju Samson, who hails from Idukki district in Kerala, has been one of the most prolific performers in Indian domestic cricket over the past half-decade. Representing Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy and enjoying enormous success with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, Samson has consistently delivered match-winning knocks. His IPL records include multiple half-centuries and centuries, including a notable unbeaten 177-ball century against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2023, which remains one of the highest individual scores in IPL history.
Despite these credentials, Samson has faced persistent challenges in breaking into the Indian playing XI on a regular basis. The presence of established wicketkeeper-batsmen like Rishabh Pant andKL Rahul in the squad has often meant that Samson finds himself on the outside looking in, even when fitness issues or form slumps create openings.
Karthik's intervention comes at a time when cricketers and fans alike have been vocal about the need for the selection process to be more transparent and merit-driven. The former India player argued that Samson's hunger and determination, forged through years of waiting for national recognition, should not be taken for granted and that the Board of Control for Cricket in India must find a sustainable pathway for players like him.
Samson himself has remained professional in his responses to selection snubs, often taking to social media to express gratitude for the support he receives while subtly acknowledging the frustration of being perpetually in the shadows of other candidates.
The debate also touches upon larger questions about representation from smaller cricketing states and whether the current system adequately rewards consistent domestic performers from regions outside the traditional cricketing powerhouses like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
