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In a decision that has stirred considerable debate among cricket fans, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed on Saturday (January 18) that Rishabh Pant has been selected in the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The announcement was made during a press conference held by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Indian captain Rohit Sharma, where the squad for the tournament was unveiled.
Fans express discontent over Sanju Samson’s exclusion
The decision to favour Pant, who has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances in recent matches, has led to an outpouring of frustration from fans on social media. Many have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, questioning why Pant continues to be preferred despite Sanju Samson‘s impressive form in white-ball cricket.
One fan tweeted, “Why always him? while the other wrote: “No Sanju Samson in Champions Trophy. You should feel bad for Sanju. They selected Pant on the basis of favouritism.”
No Sanju Samson in Champions Trophy.
You should feel bad for Sanju. They selected Pant on the basis of favouritism. 💔 pic.twitter.com/RK5zW144ry
— Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) January 18, 2025
Gautam Gambhir forget Sanju Samson since he tweeted about him.
Sanju Samson is 10 times better white ball WK batsman than Rishabh Pant.Unfortunately Sanju has no PR team like Rishabh Pant. #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/Da5bFPVwEK
— Satya Prakash (@_SatyaPrakash08) January 18, 2025
Despite Sanju Samson averaging almost 57 scored match winning 💯 in his last ODI, 3 100s in his last 5 T20i dropped from the CT whereas Pant has been consistently failing, just another prime example of how good PR can save you without performance.
Shame on @ImRo45@imAagarkar pic.twitter.com/FHlQjFxdSo
— Rosh🧢 (@samson_zype) January 18, 2025
Samson has been in sensational form, while Pant hasn’t delivered consistently. Samson’s exclusion is particularly contentious given his strong showing in white-ball cricket leading up to the selection.
Sanju Samson doesn’t have a strong PR and Mumbai Lobby support like Rishabh Pant who is playing in this ODI Team without any performance .
Sanju Samson deserves better 🙂💔
— Kohlify_18 (@18_kohlify) January 18, 2025
Team India matches in Champions Trophy 2025
India are set to begin their ICC Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a highly anticipated clash 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.
