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Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar believes that fitness is the only valid reason that can justify Sanju Samson’s recent omission from India’s T20 playing XI. The cricketer-turned-commentator urged the wicketkeeper-batsman to improve his physical condition and follow Virat Kohli’s example, and described the former India captain as the ideal role model for Samson at this stage of his career.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s comments come at a time when Sanju Samson’s replacement in India’s T20 setup has become one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. After losing his place in the playing eleven during the England series, the 31-year-old was also dropped from the squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. While many reports have suggested that the decision was part of India’s wider team plans rather than a permanent removal, Sanjay Manjrekar believes Samson can strengthen his case by reaching the fitness standards set by Kohli.
Sanju Samson out of India’s T20I playing XI
Sanju Samson’s place in India’s T20I squad came into limelight after he was first dropped from the playing XI during the England series and then dropped from the squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.
The wicketkeeper-batsman had to endure tough performances on the Ireland and England tours with scores of 5, 0 and 1 before India handed 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi his international debut. However, Cricinfo reported that those three low scores were not the primary reason behind Samson’s omission from the Zimbabwe team.
According to reports, the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar saw the Zimbabwe tour as an opportunity to test marginalized players. With Sanju Samson already included in India’s plans for the 2026 Asian Games, the selectors reportedly preferred to give Prabhsimran Singh a chance after his impressive IPL performances and recent India A performances.
Yet the decision surprised many as it came just months after Samson enjoyed the best period of his international career. He finished as the third-highest run-scorer in the 2026 T20 World Cup and was named Player of the Tournament at the end of the competition after playing three consecutive match-winning innings.
Reports from the Indian Express, Sportstar and PTI have indicated that Samson remains part of India’s future plans. While the Indian Express and PTI described the decision as one of workload management and squad rotation, Sportstar reported that the management wanted to provide Vaibhav Suryavanshi an extended run. Although explanations vary slightly, no reports suggest that India has permanently moved on from Samson.
Sanjay Manjrekar asked Sanju Samson to improve fitness and take inspiration from Virat Kohli
Reacting to Sanju Samson’s exclusion, Sanjay Manjrekar said that he believes fitness is the only legitimate cricketing reason that can justify leaving out the Kerala batsman from the playing eleven. The former India batsman stressed that Samson needs to improve his physical condition and should look up to Virat Kohli, who has set the standards for fitness in Indian cricket.
Manjrekar wrote on
The only reason for Samson’s exclusion is his fitness. If this is the reason, then it is the right decision.
Samson is not helping his cause by not being in peak physical condition.
At this stage of his career, Samson will have to take Virat as his role model.
– Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 8, 2026
Virat Kohli’s reputation as one of the fittest cricketers in world cricket extends far beyond his physique. Since changing his lifestyle more than a decade ago, Kohli has become synonymous with discipline, strict nutrition, intense training sessions and meticulous recovery routines. During his tenure as India captain, fitness standards increased significantly, with the yo-yo test becoming an important part of the selection process.
His athleticism has been one of his greatest strengths throughout his career. Be it sprinting between the wickets, patrolling the boundary for long periods or maintaining the intensity in five-day Test matches, Kohli has consistently operated at an excellent physical level.
Gautam Gambhir spoke openly on Sanju Samson’s ouster
Meanwhile, India head coach Gautam Gambhir recently confirmed that he has already had a detailed conversation with Sanju Samson regarding his exclusion from the team. Refusing to reveal the contents of that discussion, Gambhir said that the wicketkeeper-batsman has complete clarity about his position. He also praised Sanju Samson’s excellent contribution during India’s T20 World Cup win and stressed that there is no rule stopping him from returning to the team if his form improves.
Gautam Gambhir further explained that India’s current T20I team is going through a transformation after the World Cup, which includes several changes in personnel, including a new captain and the inclusion of young players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi. According to the head coach, it takes time to rebuild a team and the management is focused on choosing the combination that they believe gives India the best chance of winning as well as developing players for the future.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli seems to be close to returning to international cricket. Reports say that he has successfully completed his medical fitness assessment at the BCCI Center of Excellence after recovering from the injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final. He is expected to return for India’s ODI series against England, which will serve as an important step in India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.