India wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson's childhood coach Biju George opened up on his omission from his squad for the upcoming three match T20I series against Zimbabwe.

The decision has surprised many, especially because Samson played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign earlier this year. The Kerala batter finished as the Player of the Tournament after producing three match-winning knocks of 97 not out, 89 and 89 in India’s final three matches.

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Samson deserved a longer run

George said he was deeply hurt by the selectors’ decision and believed Samson deserved a longer run in the team after helping India lift the World Cup.

Samson also enjoyed an impressive IPL season, where he scored two centuries, the joint-most by any batter in the tournament.

However, a poor run in the recent T20I series against Ireland and England, where he managed scores of 5, 0 and 1, saw him lose his place in the squad. The selectors instead backed 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the Zimbabwe tour.

Although Samson remains with the Indian squad in England, he has not been picked for the Zimbabwe series.

His omission has raised further questions because he continues to be part of India’s full-strength squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan later this year.

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With Samson missing, the Zimbabwe series is likely to give Sooryavanshi more opportunities at the top. India have also recalled Rinku Singh and handed a maiden T20I call-up to Prabhsimran Singh.

George also dismissed suggestions that Samson had simply been rested to allow younger players a chance.

The veteran coach believes Samson has faced unfair treatment throughout his cricket career and said the latest omission is another example of the same pattern.

‘Dropping Surya, Samson Ridiculous’

George also questioned the decision to drop Samson after his World Cup heroics. He extended his support to Suryakumar Yadav, who captained India to the T20 World Cup title but was later removed as captain and left out of the squad.

George said Samson has repeatedly had to fight for his place despite delivering whenever he has been given opportunities.