Sanju Samson is one of the players who has not secured a place in the Indian team for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite his impressive recent performances in T20 internationals, which sparked discussions about his inclusion, his last appearance in One Day Internationals was in December 2023. Samson's father has now attributed his son's omission to certain unnamed individuals within the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA).

"There are individuals within the KCA who harbour animosity towards my son," Samson Viswanath stated, as reported by Mathrubhumi. A significant factor cited for Samson's exclusion is his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which occurred because he was left out of the Kerala squad after opting out of a training camp prior to the tournament.

"We have never publicly criticized the association before, but this time it has gone too far. Sanju is not the only player who missed the camp, yet others in similar circumstances were permitted to participate," Viswanath remarked.

Following the announcement of India's squad, KCA president Jayesh George criticized Samson, indicating that the 30-year-old had made himself unavailable for the camp with a brief message. However, Viswanath clarified that he does not hold George or KCA secretary Vinod S Kumar responsible, but rather some "insignificant individuals."

"It is not about Jayesh George (KCA president) or Vinod (KCA secretary); it is certain minor individuals who exacerbate issues over trivial matters," he expressed.

What the KCA president said about Samson

George was interviewed on MediaOne regarding the potential reasons for Samson's omission from the Champions Trophy squad, particularly questioning whether it was related to his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He stated, “I cannot definitively say that Samson's absence from the tournament was the cause of his exclusion. The reason he was not included in the Vijay Hazare squad stemmed from a brief message he sent, indicating that he would not be available for the 30-member preparatory camp. We were under the impression that he would be leading the team, given that he is our captain for white-ball formats and had previously led during the SMAT season.”

He continued, “Consequently, we proceeded to announce the squad, after which he communicated his availability for selection. Whether it concerns Sanju Samson or any other player, the KCA has established policies that must be adhered to. It is well understood that Sanju does not require a camp to join the squad; however, can he represent the Kerala team only at his convenience? His ascent to the Indian team was facilitated by the KCA, and that does not imply he can participate in the Kerala team solely when it suits him.”

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