Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Kaif: Gill's Vice-Captaincy, Future Role Led to Samson's Omission
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes Sanju Samson isn't playing because Shubman Gill is being prepared to be India's next captain.
Since Gill is the vice-captain, he needs to be in every T20 game.
This means Samson, who used to bat higher up, is now being left out.
Kaif also mentioned that the team thinks Jitesh Sharma is better at hitting the ball powerfully at the end of the game, which is a special role.
Even though Samson has played very well, the team is choosing players based on where they bat and what role they can fill.
Mohammad Kaif suggests Shubman Gill's vice-captaincy and grooming as future captain is why Sanju Samson is dropped.
Shubman Gill's guaranteed place in the T20I XI due to his role has led to Sanju Samson being sidelined.
Jitesh Sharma is viewed by the team as a specialist finisher, particularly effective at lower batting positions (five or six).
Sanju Samson has an excellent T20I record with a strike rate of around 150.
The team's selection seems to be prioritizing players based on their batting order placement and specific roles.
- Who
- Mohammad Kaif (Former Indian Cricketer)
- What
- Explained reasons for Sanju Samson's exclusion from the T20I playing XI.
- When
- Relates to recent T20I selections, particularly since Shubman Gill's appointment as vice-captain.
- Where
- India's T20I team.
- Why
- Shubman Gill's guaranteed place in the team as vice-captain and being groomed as a future captain leads to Samson being sidelined. Jitesh Sharma is also seen as a more suitable finisher for lower batting positions.
Mohammad Kaif's Stance
Team Management's Perceived Rationale
Player Selection Priority
Mohammad Kaif's Stance
Sanju Samson's exclusion is due to Shubman Gill being groomed as a future captain and his guaranteed place as vice-captain.
Team Management's Perceived Rationale
The team prioritizes batting order placement and considers Jitesh Sharma a more effective finisher in lower batting positions (five or six).
Sanju Samson's Role
Mohammad Kaif's Stance
Samson has been sidelined because Gill, as vice-captain, must play in all matches.
Team Management's Perceived Rationale
Samson is not seen as a specialist finisher in the same way Jitesh Sharma is, which impacts his selection for specific roles.
- Shubman Gill's Role
- Vice-captain of the T20I side, being groomed as a future captain and player.
- Sanju Samson's Status
- Dropped from the playing XI for recent matches, potentially sidelined to accommodate Gill.
- Jitesh Sharma's Perceived Advantage
- Considered a specialist finisher and a better option at lower batting positions (number five or six).
- Sanju Samson's Performance
- Has an excellent record with a strike rate of approximately 150.
- Team's Selection Rationale
- Prioritizing players based on their batting order position and perceived role as a finisher.
