Harbhajan Singh calls for new selection panel: The veteran spinner hasn’t come to terms with the selectors dropping the Kerala batsman.
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The Indian selection committee made as many as five changes to the T20I squad which will take on West Indies in three matches at home next month.
While captain Virat Kohli, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, spinner Kuldeep Yadav and fast bowlers in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami have returned to the squad, wicket-keeper batsman Sanju Samson, all-rounder Krunal Pandya, spinner Rahul Chahar and fast bowlers in Khaleel Ahmed and Shardul Thakur have been left out.
While the others have played at least a match this season, both Samson and Thakur have been dropped without being given a go. Samson, who possesses a heavy fan base on the back of his IPL performances, has received a lot of support from illustrious names with respect to his ouster.
It is worth mentioning that Samson was included after Kohli was rested for the series against Bangladesh. The 25-year old Kerala and Rajasthan Royals batsman’s name had come up after he registered his maiden List A double century, also his maiden List A century after 86 matches.
Harbhajan Singh calls for new selection panel
Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh was among the many other names who raised concerns post Samson’s ouster. The 39-year old player, who last played for India during Asia Cup in 2016, went on to call for a new selection panel.
It is worth mentioning that it isn’t for the first time that the selectors have dropped a player without giving him a go. With Kohli returning to the side, Samson’s exit was always on the cards irrespective of him playing or not.
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Given the stiff competition in the national team in addition to the selection committee focused on giving more chances to wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant, it seems that Samson will have to wait for his opportunity.
While Samson has done well in the Indian Premier League, more consistency in the domestic circuit will strengthen his chances of being in contention for playing at the highest level.
