![Ravichandran Ashwin, Ajit Agarkar and Sanju Samson [Source: AFP, x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1783589937660_Ravichandran_Ashwin_Sanju_Samson.jpg?type=hq)
Ravichandran Ashwin, Ajit Agarkar and Sanju Samson [Source: AFP, x]
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently named Team India squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe. Much to everyone’s surprise, the selection committee excluded T20 World Cup 2026 hero Sanju Samson from the line-up.
Even though Samson is yet to replicate his T20 World Cup and IPL 2026 heroics in the initial stages of India’s ongoing European T20I tour, several reports maintain that the cricketer is merely ‘rested’ from the Zimbabwe trip.
Regardless, several fans and cricket experts have expressed their support towards Samson, especially after the blistering opening batter was also replaced in the playing XI by rising star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in England.
After Ajinkya Rahane, it is now former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin who has spoken in favour of the ousted Indian opener in the wake of the BCCI’s squad announcement.
Ravichandran Ashwin says constant chopping-and-changing policy ‘dangerous’ for team
While speaking with Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin called out the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian team management and the BCCI selection committee for making Sanju Samson sit out of the team in England and from the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe.
Also Read- CSK's IPL Winner Questions Sanju Samson's Exclusion From Indian T20I Team
Recalling Samson’s failures in Ireland that led to India’s shambolic 0-2 loss, Ashwin stated that Team India has also lost two matches in a row in England even with the cricketer’s absence.
The former all-rounder said, “After those two losses in Ireland and a loss of form, they have made Sanju Samson sit out.
Now, we have lost two in England. So, who is next? This is really wrong. I really hope the Indian cricketers don't find themselves in an insecure spot.”
Ravichandran Ashwin further stated that India’s constant chopping-and-changing policy might prompt players to prioritise their own personal interests over the team’s.
He stated, “Players will go insular; they will start thinking about themselves more than the team. In T20 cricket, that is disastrous. If batters start thinking 'if I don't score runs, I might be benched', then they will start playing for their places. That is extremely dangerous.”
Ravichandran Ashwin roasts BCCI selectors over Sanju Samson’s ‘rest’
Earlier, several reports claimed that Sanju Samson was not dropped from the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, but merely ‘rested’ from the squad. Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir also stated that doors are not officially closed for the star opening batter, and he might make his return to the team within the next few months.
Ravichandran Ashwin, however, believes that a player like Samson does not need any ‘rest’ since he only plays T20I cricket for Team India. The legendary all-rounder further roasted the BCCI selectors by saying that Sanju already has a “very nice place” to rest in his hometown.
"I don't want any rest. If I want to, I will bring my mother, father, and wife along with me to Zimbabwe. I want to play there. I have never been to Bulawayo. They are a proud cricketing nation. I saw in 1999, Zimbabwe beat India in the World Cup. I want to take revenge for that. Please take me there, I don't want to rest," Ashwin imitated Sanju Samson, echoing his sentiment on being snubbed for the Zimbabwe T20Is.
“What is the meaning of rest? It's not a written rule that opportunities need to be given on these tours. What does Sanju Samson play? He only plays T20Is, not Tests and ODIs. What's the point of giving him rest? He can rest after the tour of Zimbabwe. He has a very nice place in Trivandrum. Why will he rest? He is just playing T20s. Why will he want to take rest? What else can I say? It's unfair. But it is what it is," he added.
Sanju Samson set to return for Asian Games 2026
Even though Sanju Samson is struggling to find a place in India’s playing XI in England and has been dropped altogether from the impending tour of Zimbabwe, the cricketer is expected to make his return within the next few months.
Earlier, the BCCI named a strong Team India squad for this year’s 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Samson is included in the team, along with his direct competition and ex-IPL colleague Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
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