from india Team announced for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England It has generated much discussion among fans and experts. While the return of many senior players made headlines, some notable absent players also became major topics of discussion. Wicketkeeper-batsmen were also included in these sanju samsonJoe failed to secure a place in the team despite enjoying productive performances across all formats in recent months.
East South Africa captain AB de Villiers Discussed the selection debate and presented his assessment of India’s choice. The great batsman discussed the wicketkeeping choices made by the team management and reflected on how close some players might have been to making the final.
AB de Villiers said on Sanju Samson’s exclusion from India’s ODI team
Speaking on his YouTube channel, De Villiers admitted that he thinks Samson will be a contender for a place in the team. India chose Ishan Kishan And KL Rahul They have two wicketkeeper-batsmen for England ODIs, while both Samson and Rishabh Pant Were abandoned. The South African great revealed that Samson had enjoyed a strong ipl 2026 campaign and also performed impressively in international cricket. According to de Villiers Chennai Super Kings (CSK) It appeared that the batsman was closer to selection than many expected.
“Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul are two top wicketkeepers. The big thing is there is no Pant, no Samson. Samson would have been closer than Pant, because he had a really good IPL, but even before that, was showing signs of form. Not too many surprises there, but just for Samson, I think he was close,” De Villiers said.
Samson was one of the standout performers in IPL 2026 after moving to Chennai Super Kings. The right-handed batsman scored 477 runs in 14 matches at an average of 43.36 and a strike rate of 165.62, including two centuries. During this time he also influenced 2026 t20 world cupScored 321 runs in five matches at an average of 80.25 and strike rate of 199.37, which included three half-centuries.
De Villiers also considered the return of Virat Kohli
De Villiers also talked Virat Kohli’s Returning to India’s ODI setup. Former Indian captain missed afghanistan ODI series allowed due to hamstring injury Yashasvi Jaiswal A chance on the side. Jaiswal took his chance with a century, but Kohli’s return meant the youngster once again had to make room. While de Villiers acknowledged that the situation was unfortunate for Jaiswal, he believed the decision made sense given Kohli’s stature and recent form.
“Virat Kohli is back. A bit tough on Jaiswal who came back in place of Virat, who scored a century and now he has to make way. No complaints there, but sometimes when your king comes back it is a bit harsh on the players, when the main players come back, there is a process they are looking at. So it really makes sense for Virat to step in there and make sure he maintains the kind of form he showed in the IPL.” De Villiers said.
Kohli will be leaving for the England series after another stellar IPL season. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) The star played a key role in the franchise’s title-winning campaign, scoring 675 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, which included one century and five fifties.
