Former India chief selector MSK Prasad has weighed in on the growing debate surrounding Sanju Samson’s absence from India’s T20I squad, insisting the wicketkeeper-batter has not been dropped despite missing the upcoming Zimbabwe tour. Samson first lost his place in the playing XI during the ongoing T20I series against England after three low scores and was subsequently left out of the squad for the Zimbabwe series, triggering widespread criticism from fans and former cricketers.

The Kerala batter managed just 13 runs across three innings in England before being sidelined, leading many to question whether the team management had lost faith in him. However, Prasad believes the decision is part of a broader strategy to test India’s bench strength rather than a reflection of Samson’s long-term standing in the squad. Speaking to Revsportz, the former chief selector said it would be unfair to judge Samson solely on three failures, especially after the batter played a pivotal role in India’s triumphant 2026 T20 World Cup campaign.

Samson was named Player of the Tournament, and Prasad believes that achievement alone deserves greater backing from the selectors. “I personally feel that someone who has helped India win the T20 World Cup and was the Player of the Tournament cannot simply be dropped,” MSK Prasad said.

He believes the Zimbabwe tour provides the ideal opportunity for the selectors to evaluate young talents such as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prabhsimran Singh before major ICC events. According to Prasad, experimentation is a natural part of the cycle that follows a World Cup triumph.

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“I am convinced this is more about resting him and giving an opportunity to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The selectors want to see whether he is ready for international cricket. Otherwise, leaving out a player of Sanju’s stature is difficult to justify. I don’t think he has been dropped,” he added.

Prasad further explained that the first few months after winning a World Cup are typically used to build squad depth and assess emerging players. He pointed out that India’s selection process is already focused on preparing a settled core group well before the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup.

“At the same time, you cannot disregard someone who has won the T20 World Cup for India. The first six months after a World Cup are usually about experimentation. The selectors try different combinations before gradually settling on their core group, 12 to 18 months ahead of the next World Cup. This could simply be part of that process. But if anyone says Sanju has been dropped because of three failures, I completely disagree,” MSK Prasad stated.

The former India wicketkeeper also dismissed concerns that the omission would hurt Samson’s confidence. He believes the 31-year-old has matured into one of India’s most dependable white-ball players and has repeatedly delivered on the biggest stage. “He is an exceptional talent. If someone says he has been dropped, I cannot accept that. This will not dent his confidence. If anything, it will motivate him to work even harder,” MSK Prasad said.

Prasad acknowledged that India now have several quality opening options, including Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh, Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, making competition for places tougher than ever. Even so, he urged chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the team management to continue communicating clearly with Samson and reassure him that he remains central to India’s T20 plans.

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He concluded by expressing confidence that Samson will continue to be an important member of India’s core squad, provided he maintains his fitness and form over the next two years. For Prasad, the current omission is a temporary opportunity for experimentation rather than the end of Samson’s journey in India’s T20 setup.