Sanju Samson: Why Selection Was Always a Challenge

Ashwin Analyzes Samson’s T20I Exclusion & Pandya’s Impactful Return for India

India’s team selection dynamics in the T20I format have come under scrutiny, especially regarding the role of Sanju Samson and the resurgence of hardik Pandya. Former india spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on both situations, suggesting Samson’s exclusion was a consequence of Shubman Gill’s elevation to vice-captaincy, while lauding Pandya’s match-winning performance after recovering from injury.

The appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup has significantly altered the landscape for sanju Samson, according to Ashwin. The shift in leadership dynamics has made it increasingly difficult for Samson to secure a consistent place in the playing XI.

Samson was dropped from the team midway thru the australian tour following a series of underwhelming performances in the middle order. however, Ashwin believes Samson’s skillset could still be valuable to the Indian team, albeit in a different role. “Sanju has not played enough at No.5,and Jitesh Sharma is there in the squad for his finishing abilities,†Ashwin stated. “If you are playing Sanju, play him at no.3, use him against spin.†Jitesh Sharma has impressed with his finishing touches, scoring an unbeaten 22 off 13 deliveries against Australia in Hobart and a quickfire 10 off five balls in Cuttack. He also showcased his form during the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and as captain of India in the Asia Cup Rising Stars.

Did you know? – Jitesh Sharma’s consistent performances in domestic cricket and for India A earned him a spot in the national T20I squad, providing a specialist finisher.

Turning to Hardik Pandya,Ashwin was effusive in his praise for the all-rounder’s return to form. Pandya, recovering from an injury sustained during the 2025 Asia Cup Super 4 stage against Sri Lanka, delivered a crucial performance in the first T20I against South Africa in July 2025.

Coming to the crease with India struggling at 78-4 in the 12th over, Pandya smashed an unbeaten 59 off 28 deliveries, propelling the team to a competitive total of 175-6.“India were five down for literally nothing, from there they were able to score freely and get 170 plus,†Ashwin observed. “Hardik Pandya played a brilliant knock, it did not seem like he went anywhere from the injury.â€

Ashwin highlighted Pandya’s confidence and clarity of thought at the crease. “The power that Hardik Pandya has, especially against spin… After watching his innings, I feel like he is supremely confident,†Ashwin added. “There is no replacement for Hardik in India at this point of time, and I hope we can really find one.†Pandya also contributed with the ball, dismissing David Miller off his first delivery and finishing with figures of 1-16 from two overs, as South Africa were bowled out for just 74 runs.

Pro tip: – When recovering from injury, athletes frequently enough focus on regaining confidence through aggressive batting or bowling. pandya’s speedy-fire innings demonstrates this approach.

The all-rounder’s all-round performance underscores his continued importance to the Indian team, a sentiment echoed by Ashwin’s analysis.

Reader question: – Do you think Sanju Samson’s best position in the T20I side is at No.3, as Ashwin suggests? What role do you see for him in the future?