Indian politician expressed surprise over Sanju Samson's Australia T20Is snub

Indian politician Shashi Tharoor has expressed astonishment at the omission of Sanju Samson from India's T20I squad against Australia. Despite being a skillful wicketkeeper-batsman and the captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, Samson continues to be disregarded, eliciting surprise within the cricketing community. Tharoor, aligning with the sentiments of numerous others, deems Samson's ongoing exclusion perplexing, especially considering his impressive current form and proficiency in the T20 format.

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In the midst of the non-participation of crucial players, the exclusion of the right-hander from the squad under Ajit Agarkar's panel has generated dissatisfaction. Shashi Tharoor, along with ardent supporters championing Samson's cause, has mobilized on social platforms, conveying dismay at the decision. The veteran politician, using social media as a platform, expressed his discontent over the omission of the talented wicketkeeper-batsman, echoing a sentiment widely shared by those who advocate for recognition of 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 his Twitter.

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This is truly inexplicable. @IamSanjuSamson 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 @rajasthanroyals is more current than SKY's. Our selectors need to explain themselves to the… https://t.co/W251o89jzs

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 21, 2023

 Yuzvendra Chahal was also dropped from Australia T20 series

India has announced its T20I squad for a five-match series against Australia, commencing just four days after the Cricket World Cup 2023 final. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the 15-man squad, showing continuity with the squads from the pre-World Cup period. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, absent since the West Indies tour in August, posted a cryptic message on social media after being excluded from the T20I squad for the West Indies series and the World Cup.

The veteran India leg spinner, Chahal last played an ODI in January 2023. Axar Patel makes a return to the squad after missing the World Cup due to injury. The spin department also features Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar, with Kuldeep Yadav being preferred over Chahal in recent selections.