In a move that has ignited considerable debate among cricket enthusiasts and experts, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has strongly criticized the national selection committee, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, for their decision to exclude Sanju Samson from the upcoming ODI squad facing Australia. Kaif voiced his clear disagreement on October 10, 2025, arguing that while Dhruv Jurel is a promising talent, Samson’s established presence in the middle-order would have been a far more suitable choice.
The selection decision has sparked widespread discussions across social media platforms, with various cricket experts and fans weighing in on the matter. The primary point of contention revolves around the optimal team composition for the crucial middle-order batting positions.
The controversy surrounding Samson’s exclusion gained further traction with a video circulating online that pondered: ‘Is Sanju Samson a misfit in India middle-order? Here’s how he has been preparing in the nets,’ showcasing his rigorous training sessions.
Kaif acknowledged Jurel’s impressive recent form, notably his century against the West Indies in a Test match. However, he stressed that a single performance shouldn’t eclipse Samson’s consistent track record and unique skills. ‘While Dhruv Jurel played exceptionally well, showcasing a compact and organized style that marks him as a future Indian cricket star with the ability to score consistently, the decision to leave out Sanju Samson was, in my opinion, a mistake,’ Kaif asserted in a video statement. He further explained, ‘Sanju typically bats lower down the order, at number five or six, and for that crucial position, he is a far superior option than Jurel.’
Kaif particularly highlighted Samson’s exceptional ability against spin bowling, a quality he believes is invaluable for an ODI middle-order batsman and would have been especially effective in Australian conditions. ‘In that specific role, you need a player capable of hitting big sixes, particularly against spinners. We witnessed Sanju Samson’s explosive power in the Asia Cup. Had he been selected for Australia, he would undoubtedly have taken on bowlers like Adam Zampa with maximums. His consistent presence in the IPL’s top 10 for most sixes confirms his perfect fit for the number five or six slot in Australian pitches,’ Kaif elaborated, reinforcing his argument.
Kaif also voiced broader concerns about the selection committee’s apparent tendency to prioritize short-term recent form over a player’s consistent long-term performance. He reiterated this point firmly in his concluding comments on the selection: ‘Currently, we seem to be overly focused on immediate form, such as Jurel’s recent excellent play. In doing so, we risk overlooking and forgetting truly deserving players like Sanju who have demonstrated consistent high-level performance over time.’
This contentious selection continues to fuel discussions among cricket fans and pundits alike, underscoring the critical role of balanced team composition in international cricket. The debate brings to light the inherent challenges in making difficult selection calls, especially when weighing players with distinct skill sets and varying levels of experience. Samson’s impressive record in the IPL, particularly his knack for hitting sixes, was strongly presented as a compelling reason for his inclusion, alongside his impactful performances in the Asia Cup. While the selection committee’s decision aligns with their current strategic vision, the widespread criticism highlights the intricate task of balancing a player’s current form against their established, consistent capabilities when building a national squad.