Sanju Samson, despite his stellar recent performances, has been omitted from India's squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, leaving his fans, especially from his home state of Kerala, deeply disappointed. The Kerala-born cricketer, who became the first Indian batter to score back-to-back centuries in T20Is against South Africa, had hoped to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.

This snub follows a somewhat unlucky international career for Samson. Last year, he was part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad but was benched throughout the tournament, not getting a single match. Rather than let this setback hinder him, Samson responded with remarkable consistency in domestic and T20I cricket, earning praise for his batting and solidifying his place as a key player for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, where he is the franchise’s highest run-scorer. His domestic exploits, including a double-century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, further highlighted his talent and potential.

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Samson's exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad comes at a time when he seemed poised for greater opportunities, especially after several impressive showings in recent months. The decision, however, reflects the tough competition in the squad, with several key players such as Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul retaining their spots as wicketkeepers. Fans will now have to wait and hope for his inclusion in future international tours.

CT Squad: Jaiswal gets maiden ODI call-up, Bumrah picked but fitness will decide his availability

Talented left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal was on Saturday expectedly picked in the India squad for the Champions Trophy and pacer Mohammed Shami returned to national fold after a long injury lay off but Jasprit Bumrah's chance of featuring in the prestigious ODI tournament will depend on his fitness.

Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul will be the two wicketkeepers but there was no place for pacer Mohammed Siraj in the 15-man squad, announced for both home England series and the Champions trophy.

Shami has made a comeback to the ODI squad after the 50-over World Cup in 2023.

Harshit Rana has been picked to play only the England series.

"Bumrah had been told to off-load for five weeks and he won't be available for the first two ODIs against England," chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said at the press conference.

Karun Nair, despite 752 runs in domestic cricket, missed out and Agarkar said: "It was difficult to find a place and all those who have been picked have averaged in mid 40s."

Squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardil Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (only for England series).