New Delhi:Sanju Samson was recently left out of the Indian squad on Monday for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, and the move received mixed reactions from experts and fans alike. But, according to sources, Samson was “rested” and was unlikely to play the Zimbabwe series anyway.
The generated a widespread debate, especially given his recent form. He carried his good form into IPL 2026 where he scored two centuries to be the highest run-getter for the Chennai Super Kings. He was the third highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup. But he was very inconsistent in the IPL. He got centuries but also had some single digit scores.
What did the BCCI source say about Sanju Samson?BCCI announced a 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. Among the opening options were Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, but Sanju’s name was not among them.
“It was a strategic move only,” a senior BCCI official told PTI while dismissing the ongoing speculation. Reports suggest that the selectors decided to rest the veteran batsman and give opportunities to the youngsters as Samson was not likely to be a part of the playing XI in the Zimbabwe series. It is surprising that Sanju has been rested for Zimbabwe as… Those who say this should know Sanju is in Asian Games squad in September. So those criticising the selection committee can do a bit of homework. “Why take Samson if he’s not going to play? “He’s a senior guy,” said the senior source.
Samson rested for Prabhsimran Singh: ReportAccording to a report in CricInfo, the Indian selection committee did not pick Samson for the Zimbabwe tour, calling it a fringe series and wanting to give Prabhsimran Singh a go after his recent exploits in the IPL.
Prabhsimran has impressed many with his performances for Punjab Kings in the last two IPL editions, wherein he turned out to be among the top-scorers for the franchise. Samson is also part of the squad for the 2026 Asian Games which is to be played in September.
Sanju Samson’s InconsistencySamson’s lean run wasn’t the reason behind his omission, the report added, but his recent performance wouldn’t have helped his case either. Samson had scored 0 and 5 in the Ireland series, before scoring just 1 in the first T20I. Three low scores in a row were enough for the team management to leave him out of the second T20I and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was handed a debut instead. But Samson's recent form doesn't erase what he did in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He was instrumental in India’s title win with knocks of unbeaten 97, 89 and 89 through the knockout stage, a run that earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
Prabhsimran Singh's rise in Indian cricketPrabhsimran made his T20I debut after aggregating 510 runs at a strike rate of 168.87 as an opener for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026. He was the highest run-getter for PBKS in this IPL. He also had a marvellous 2025 season for the Shreyas Iyer-led franchise where he scored 549 runs at the strike rate of 160.53. He finished second on the Kings in scoring last season.
The young wicketkeeper batter also adds a valuable right-handed option to a top order that includes left-handers Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ishan Kishan.
Prabhsimran also featured in India A’s winning tri-series in Sri Lanka, consolidating his reputation as a dynamic top-order batter. His match-winning performances and aggressive stroke play in domestic cricket and the IPL could see him in line to show his talent with the senior team.
This article was authored by Bhavye Dhalla. He is an intern with)ALSO READ |