The continued omission of Sanju Samson from the Indian T20 lineup is drawing increasing scrutiny as the series against South Africa progresses. Despite a strong showing in earlier opportunities – including three centuries – Samson has been sidelined,first losing his opening position and now finding himself excluded from both the playing XI and,reportedly,net practice sessions.Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has publicly questioned the selectors’ rationale, adding to a growing debate about the team’s approach to its top order and the future of the wicketkeeper-batsman’s international career ahead of key tournaments.
Sanju Samson Twenty20; Questions are mounting over the treatment of Sanju Samson as India’s second T20 match against South Africa saw vice-captain Shubman Gill fall for a golden duck. Former Indian star Robin Uthappa is now questioning what Samson has done to warrant being overlooked by selectors and team management.
Uthappa argues that Samson deserves a consistent opening spot in the lineup. “What did the Sanju Samson-Abhishek Sharma opening partnership do wrong?” Uthappa asked. “I heard Suryakumar Yadav speak at the pre-series press conference, trying to justify the decision to bring Gill into the opening role instead of Sanju. He said Gill had already secured his place in India’s T20 squad before Sanju.”
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“However, Samson seized his opportunities, scoring three centuries. He was one of the first players in this young group to reach that milestone. Abhishek Sharma’s century came after Sanju’s, and Tilak Varma’s also followed. Sanju must have inspired or challenged these players, because that was the period when we were searching for the next generation of T20 openers.”
“You have an opener who has proven his ability. Samson’s batting average is only slightly below Abhishek Sharma’s. Yet, you decided to move him to the middle order and then gradually phase him out of the team. What mistake did Sanju make? That’s my question. Sanju deserves to open,” Uthappa stated.
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Gill, currently the vice-captain, appears to be attempting a different batting approach, one that isn’t yielding results, according to Uthappa. “He’s trying to play like Abhishek, attacking from the first ball, but that’s not Gill’s style. Gill has had success in T20 cricket by taking his time at the crease, surviving the initial pressure, and then accelerating after 15-20 balls. Once he’s set, it’s difficult to dismiss him. That’s the style that has delivered results for Gill.”
Uthappa believes Gill is feeling the pressure of experimenting with a new approach. “Gill realizes that this different approach isn’t working,” he said. Gill has played 14 T20 matches in 2025, scoring just 263 runs. The series against South Africa is a crucial opportunity for players to cement their places ahead of major international tournaments, and the debate surrounding Samson’s exclusion continues to intensify.
