'Unfair' - Ravichandran Ashwin reacts to Sanju Samson's omission from India's tour of Zimbabwe

Men in Blue’s squad selection for the upcoming T20I tour of Zimbabwe has sparked sharp criticism, with former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin voicing strong disapproval over the exclusion of Sanju Samson. Ashwin described the decision as “unfair” and warned that dropping players after just a few poor outings could create insecurity within the team.

“I mean, what can I even say? It’s just unfair. Just unfair. I don’t agree with it. But it is what it is. I mean, I don’t know. Seriously, it’s difficult,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat.

Samson, who was left out following a dip in form, has become the latest casualty of India’s recent defeats. Ashwin questioned the logic behind such decisions, suggesting that if losses continue, more players could face the axe.

“Sanju has been dropped because of losses and form. He has been left out. We’ve already lost two games. If we lose again, will someone else be dropped too? Who is next? That’s wrong. I really hope the Indian team finds itself. Indian cricketers should not be put in an insecure spot.”

Ashwin warns against short-term thinking

Ashwin argued that chopping and changing after a handful of low scores can force batters to think about survival rather than team success. He cautioned that such insecurity could lead batters to play for themselves instead of the team's cause.

“I previously spoke about Suryakumar Yadav [being dropped from the squad]. Players will go insular; they will start thinking about themselves more than the team. In T20 cricket, that is disastrous. If batters start thinking ‘if I don’t score runs, I might be benched’, then they will start playing for their places. That is extremely dangerous.”

He added that if Samson is given another opportunity, it would be natural for him to focus on securing his place, and he should not be blamed for doing so.

“Imagine this situation. Let’s say Sanju Samson is given an opportunity again. He might start thinking for himself. And you can’t even say that is wrong. I really hope they find a measure to this.”

Ashwin’s remarks underline a growing concern about India’s selection policy in T20I cricket that short-term judgments could erode confidence and hinder long-term team building.