Shashi Tharoor cries foul over Sanju Samson's Australia T20Is snub

Indian politician Shashi Tharoor expressed surprise over Sanju Samson's exclusion from India's T20I squad against Australia. The talented Kerala wicketkeeper-batter, leading Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, boasts top-notch T20 skills. Despite this, he remains overlooked, raising eyebrows in the cricketing fraternity. Tharoor, echoing the sentiments of many, finds Samson's continued absence puzzling given his current form and prowess in the shorter format.

Amid the absence of key players, Sanju Samson's omission from the squad under Ajit Agarkar's panel has stirred discontent. Shashi Tharoor and fervent supporters advocating for Samson's cause have rallied on social platforms, expressing dismay at the decision. Tharoor, taking to social media, voiced his disappointment over the talented wicketkeeper-batter’s exclusion, highlighting a sentiment shared by many who seek justice for Samson's overlooked talent.

“This is truly inexplicable. Sanju Samson should have not just been selected, he should have led the side in the absence of all the seniors. His captaincy experience with Kerala and Rajasthan Royals is more current than SKY's. Our selectors need to explain themselves to the cricket-loving public. And why no Yuzvendra Chahal either?,” Tharoor wrote on ‘X’.

Here's Shashi Tharoor's latest post on 'X':

Sanju Samson misses the bus ahead of Australia series

Sanju Samson's fluctuating form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and recent outings for Kerala have potentially hindered his selection for India's forthcoming five-match T20I series versus Australia. Despite occasional promising displays with the bat, his irregularity in the Indian squad persists. His absence in the World Cup 2023 team, favouring Suryakumar Yadav, underscores the selectors' preference, sidelining the Kerala batter despite his intermittent strong performances.

The BCCI unveiled a 15-member squad for the five-game T20I series against Australia, slated to commence on November 23 in Vishakhapatnam. Resting senior players, the board entrusted Suryakumar Yadav with leadership, marking his debut stint as India's T20I skipper, a nod to his adeptness in this cricketing format. This move signifies India's strategic groundwork for the impending T20 World Cup in 2024, showcasing a glimpse of their preparatory measures.