Exclusions from Vijay Hazare Trophy Squads: Samson and Pandey Left Out
Exclusions from Vijay Hazare Trophy Squads: Samson and Pandey Left Out Amid Changing Dynamics
The upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, a prestigious domestic 50-over competition set to begin on December 21, 2024, is marked by some surprising exclusions that are stirring up the cricketing world. Two prominent names, Sanju Samson from Kerala and Manish Pandey from Karnataka, have found themselves out of their respective teams’ squads, signaling a shift in the approach of these state associations. These decisions reflect not just form and fitness concerns but also a deeper intention to overhaul and refresh the squads with an eye toward the future.
Sanju Samson’s Exclusion from Kerala Squad
Sanju Samson, a player whose potential and leadership skills have been widely recognized, was notably absent from Kerala’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This exclusion comes after an internal decision by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) to restrict squad selections to players who participated in the preparatory camp held in the lead-up to the tournament.
Samson, who had captained Kerala in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), led his team to a close miss in the knockout stages, securing four wins from six matches. Despite his individual contributions, which included a solid 135 runs across five innings, including a half-century, he was omitted from the 19-member squad for the upcoming 50-over competition.
Sources indicate that Samson had written to the KCA explaining his unavailability for the camp, which ultimately led to his exclusion. With veteran batter Sachin Baby also unavailable due to injury, Kerala’s selectors have decided to place their faith in Salman Nizar, who will captain the squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Samson’s absence, despite his notable performances in the SMAT, highlights the importance Kerala places on the commitment to the camp as part of their preparation.
While this move might appear harsh, it reflects a growing trend in domestic cricket to ensure that players who are physically and mentally tuned for the tournament are given priority. In an era of tight schedules and rising fitness demands, such decisions, although unpopular with the fans, could play a key role in shaping the future of state cricket.
Manish Pandey’s Ouster: A Changing Guard in Karnataka
Manish Pandey, a stalwart of Karnataka cricket and a former India international, is another high-profile name who has been excluded from the Karnataka squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This decision represents a significant shift in Karnataka’s approach as the selectors look to “move on” from some of their senior players.
Pandey’s exclusion follows a string of lackluster performances, most notably in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he managed just 117 runs in five innings. Karnataka’s failure to qualify for the SMAT knockouts added more pressure on players like Pandey, who had previously been a vital cog in Karnataka’s domestic success. Under Pandey’s leadership, Karnataka won the prestigious Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in back-to-back seasons (2018-19 and 2019-20), but his form has dipped in recent years, culminating in a solitary half-century in six innings during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy.
According to KSCA selection committee chair J Abhiram, the decision to move on from senior players like Pandey is driven by the need for a rejuvenation of the squad. “We as an association have realized that we need to move on from the players of old and bring in new blood,” Abhiram remarked. This shift is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Karnataka builds a team for the future, with younger players coming through the ranks.
The exclusion of Pandey, with his impressive career record of 7973 runs from 118 first-class matches and over 13,000 runs across formats, signals that Karnataka is looking to rebuild and focus on fresh talent. Despite Pandey’s past glory, including two Ranji Trophy titles with the state and a long and successful stint in white-ball cricket, it appears the selectors have concluded that it’s time for the next generation to take charge.
The Changing Landscape of Domestic Cricket
Both the exclusion of Sanju Samson and Manish Pandey reflects a broader trend in Indian domestic cricket: the push to blend experience with youth and the emphasis on building teams for the future. While the careers of Samson and Pandey have been marked by notable achievements, these decisions highlight the growing importance of player preparation, form, and commitment over past performances.
In Samson’s case, despite his remarkable leadership and recent T20I form, the KCA’s decision to prioritize players who attended the camp could be seen as a shift towards a more disciplined, performance-driven environment. Kerala’s squad, now led by Salman Nizar, includes a blend of youth and experience, with key players like Rohan Kunnummal and Mohammed Azharuddeen also expected to play significant roles.
For Karnataka, the exclusion of Pandey marks the end of an era. The team’s selectors have clearly identified the need for a fresh approach, with new blood stepping into the void. Players like Mayank Agarwal, Shreyas Gopal, and young talents like S Nikin Jose and Vyshak Vijaykumar will be expected to lead Karnataka into the future.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Players and the Teams
The decision to exclude such high-profile players raises important questions about the future of domestic cricket. For Samson, his exclusion may be temporary, depending on his performances in other formats, but it reflects how hard it is to remain a fixture in a team without showing absolute commitment to every phase of preparation. For Pandey, this may signal the twilight of his domestic career, but given his experience and talent, he may find opportunities elsewhere or even reemerge if his form improves.
As we approach the Vijay Hazare Trophy, both Kerala and Karnataka will hope that their decisions, though controversial, lead to better team dynamics and, ultimately, success in the competition. For the selectors, it is a balancing act—retaining proven performers while also giving youth a chance to shine. It is a sign of how Indian domestic cricket is evolving, as teams move forward with a vision to build competitive, modern squads that can succeed in an increasingly challenging cricketing world.
Also Visit:-
