Sanju Samson Was Unfairly 'Singled Out,' Claims Childhood Coach Over Zimbabwe Snub

Sanju Samson Was Unfairly 'Singled Out,' Claims Childhood Coach [Source: AFP]

In an explosive outburst, the childhood coach of veteran wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson targeted the Indian team management led by head coach Gautam Gambhir for being unfair to Samson after he was recently dropped from the T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Samson had a poor run in Ireland and England, where he scored 5, 0 and 1 in 3 T20Is. He was later dropped mid-series against England as 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his debut.

But in an unexpected twist, Sanju was snubbed from the T20I setup altogether when the BCCI released the squad for the Zimbabwe series.

Sanju Samson’s coach breaks silence on his snub

Meanwhile, talking to TOI, Biju George, the childhood coach of Sanju Samson, broke his silence. He said that other players also failed, yet they weren't dropped or omitted from future squads. 

George alleged that the management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, was being unfair to Samson and singled him out. 

"I agree he failed in three matches. But he was not the only one who failed. Right? I feel really sad. I'm totally broken because I thought that, at least for the next year, give him five or six matches, three tours, three continuous tours. Give him a slot,” George said.

Not only that, Biju George repeatedly reminded everyone that Samson was India's Player of the Tournament during the T20 World Cup 2026, where he played key innings in knockout games. 

"With this talent, there is no question about his calibre. There is no question that he was your match-winner. He won you the World Cup. Now, how can you do this to him? It is like certain things you can never understand why they happen. Right? Very sad. So you defend it," he added.

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Biju George reacts to ‘rest’ narrative

Interestingly, a few reports also suggested that Sanju Samson was rested and not dropped for the Zimbabwe series as the BCCI wanted to give more opportunities to young players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

However, Biju George isn't convinced by this narrative. He asked if Samson was resting and when he would get another opportunity. By the time the next series arrives, selectors may stick with the players who replaced him. 

“He may be rested just to give opportunities to young players? Where does he have a chance to prove himself before that? When is the next tour after Zimbabwe? What is the calendar? What is the next tour?”

His concern is that a "rest" could effectively become a prolonged absence from the T20 side. 

“I think it's a long, long way away. I think Sri Lanka, maybe. So will they change the squad waiting for that? I don't know. Yeah. "Probably he'll have to come back and work it out, which he certainly will. But that's besides the point."

What did Gambhir say about Samson’s snub?

Amid widespread criticism, head coach Gautam Gambhir also reacted to Sanju Samson’s snub. He said Samson's World Cup performances were "phenomenal." 

But at the same time, current form also matters in international cricket. Gamhir also said that there is no permanent exclusion and that Samson can return in the England series or later if he regains form. 

However, for now, Gautam Gambhir’s statements are nothing but hollow promises. Sanju Samson’s future looks bleak as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to be backed given his young age and raw potential.

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