‘Why always him?’: Fans react to selectors’ decision to pick Rishabh Pant over Sanju Samson in India Champions Trophy squad

In a decision that sparked great controversy among cricket fans, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) It was revealed on Saturday (January 18). Rishabh Pant Was selected in Indian team for upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The announcement was made during a press conference held by the chief selectors Ajit Agarkar And the Indian captain Rohit SharmaWhere the tournament lineup was revealed.

Fans express their dissatisfaction with Sanju Samson’s exclusion

The decision to favor Pant, who has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances in recent matches, led to a wave of frustration among fans on social media. Many have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, wondering why Pant is still preferred despite Sanju SamsonImpressive form in white-ball cricket.

One fan tweeted: “Why does it always? While the other wrote: “No Sango Samson In the Champions Cup. You must feel bad for Sanju. Choose Pant On the basis of favoritism.”

There is no Sanju Samson in the Champions Cup.

You must feel bad for Sanju. They chose Pant on the basis of nepotism. 💔 pic.twitter.com/RK5zW144ry

– Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) January 18, 2025

Gautam Gambhir has been forgetting about Sanju Samson ever since he tweeted about him.
Sanju Samson is a white-ball batsman who is 10 times better than Rishabh Pant.

Unfortunately, Sanju doesn’t have a PR team like Rishabh Pant. #Sanju Samson pic.twitter.com/Da5bFPVwEK

– Satya Prakash (@_SatyaPrakash08) January 18, 2025

Although Sanju Samson averaged almost 57 in a match-winner 💯 in his last ODI, he has dropped 3100s in his last 5 T20i of CT while Pant has consistently failed, which is just another prime example of how good a PR can be To save you without performing.

shame on you @ImRo45 @imAagarkar pic.twitter.com/FHlQjFxdSo

– Roche🧢 (@samson_zype) January 18, 2025

Samson has been in sensational form, while Pant has not delivered a consistent performance. Samson’s exclusion is particularly controversial given his strong performances in white-ball cricket leading up to the selection.

Sanju Samson does not have as strong a support in PR and Mumbai lobby as Rishabh Pant who is playing in this ODI team without any performance.

Sanju Samson deserves the best 🙂💔

– Kohlevai_18 (@18_kohlevai) January 18, 2025

Team India matches in Champions Trophy 2025

India are set to start their ICC Champions Trophy campaign against them Bangladesh On February 20, followed by a highly anticipated confrontation against Pakistan On February 23. The pressure will be on Pant to perform well and justify his selection, especially given the scrutiny he faces from fans and experts.