Former Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari is not happy with the way the team management has selected players. Citing the examples of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, Vihari believes that different players are being judged on different standards and this is unfair.
Vihari pointed out that Samson was dropped after some poor matches, but Abhishek has been getting chances in the Indian T20 team despite struggling to score runs for a long time. Meanwhile, the former India opener raised questions over India’s treatment of Sanju Samson.
Hanuma Vihari raised questions on the selection policy of Team India
Sanju Samson was dropped from India’s T20I squad for the ongoing T20I series in Zimbabwe following his failures in England. However, the national selectors said the Kerala star has been rested for the ongoing three-match T20 series in Zimbabwe.
However, Hanuma Vihari did not agree with the justification, as he pointed out that Samson proved himself after returning to the team. He said that the right-handed batsman played a key role in India winning the 2026 T20 World Cup and became the best player of the tournament.
The former Indian batsman also pointed out how Abhishek Sharma has been inconsistent and has managed only three fifties in his last 18 T20I innings. His recent scores of 49, 0, 59, 43, 10, 16, 3, 1 and 8 show that the young opener is struggling for form. Meanwhile, Wasim Jaffer revealed the secret behind Ishan Kishan’s transformation.
Hanuma Vihari feels sorry for Sanju Samson as he puts the spotlight on Abhishek Sharma’s poor form
Hanuma Vihari said in a video on his YouTube channel: “Before the World Cup, Sanju Samson did not perform in five matches and lost his place in the starting 11. Then he made a comeback and was player of the tournament. In the same tournament, how many runs did Abhishek Sharma score? In the UK series, apart from one half-century, there were no scores at all. There were no significant scores in his 20s and 30s. One half-century in the last eight matches. If you were to include the World Cup, Three half-centuries in the last 18 matches.”
The former batsman further added, “How many matches has Samson played in the World Cup? Three. And fifties in all three. Abhishek Sharma’s highest score in five matches is 16. Why is no one talking about it? When it comes to Samson, they say he is inconsistent. Fair enough. But he can win high-pressure matches on his day. Abhishek is a much-hyped player, but Samson is equally on par. He has performed in the IPL as well. Different K Why are there different rules for “players?”
Vihari calls for fairness in selection in India
Vihari made it clear that he has no complaint against Abhishek Sharma. He said that his only concern is that every player should be treated equally and selection should be done on the basis of performance only.
He said that despite Abhishek Sharma’s performance not being good, he is continuously getting opportunities. The former Indian batsman admitted that he can win matches on his day, but there are many players who can do that, and even if Prabhsimran Singh plays 10 games, he can also score a few fifties.
