Has Sanju Samson Become a 'Stepney' for Team India?

In Indian cricket, Sanju Samson’s name is synonymous with unquestionable talent, yet his international career has always been riddled with 'ifs' and 'buts'. Whether it is struggling to find a spot in the playing XI, not getting consistent opportunities, or being sidelined due to changing team combinations, Samson's journey has been a rollercoaster. Now, recent selection decisions have sparked a massive debate: is Sanju Samson slowly fading out of India's T20 blueprint, or has he merely been reduced to a 'stepney' (backup option)?

The question feels even more significant because just four months ago, the picture was entirely different. Samson was not only part of India's T20 World Cup-winning squad but was also named 'Player of the Series' during a preceding campaign, establishing himself as a hero of India's success. Fast forward to the recent England T20 series, and the situation drastically changed. He was dropped midway through the series, brought back only for the final match when the series was already lost, and ultimately ignored for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour.

Bringing him back into the playing XI only after the England series had slipped out of India's grasp raised eyebrows. Critics argue that if the team management genuinely viewed him as a core part of their future plans, he would have received consistent backing from the start. Some believe his late inclusion was an attempt to pacify the intense social media backlash that usually follows his exclusion. However, the clearest signal came with the squad announcement for the three-match Zimbabwe tour, which was made during the England series. While Samson's name was missing, younger talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi were given opportunities.

Tours like Zimbabwe are typically utilized to blood new players and give experienced campaigners a chance to regain rhythm. The selectors' decision to invest in Suryavanshi while leaving Samson out sends a clear message: the focus is firmly on building the next generation of players for the upcoming five to seven years. While it is too early to declare Samson's international career over—since injuries and form slumps can rapidly change team dynamics—the current scenario paints a grim picture. For now, Sanju Samson does not appear to be Team India's first choice and seems to be viewed merely as a reliable backup when regular options are unavailable.