Harbhajan Singh questions absence of Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal from India’s Champions Trophy squad

“He scores runs but he is dropped. I know you can only select 15, but I feel his batting suits the format.

“He has an average of 55-56, but he isn’t even there as a second wicketkeeper. When we talk about selecting him, people ask, in whose place? Places can be made,” he said.

Samson has scored a brilliant century in his last ODI outing against South Africa in December 2023. In the 14 outings, 30-year has batting average of 56.66 in ODI cricket.

Indian cricketer Sanju Samson in action. (FILE)

Harbhajan also lambasted selectors for not picking variety in the spin department. India have picked Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav in their 15-member squad but the former India spinner feels the selectors missed a trick by not picking Yuzvendra Chahal.

In 72 ODI matches played in his career so far, Chahal has picked 121 wickets at an average of 27.13 and an economy of 5.26 with two five-wicket hauls to his name.

“Sanju isn’t there. Yuzvendra Chahal isn’t there, too,” he said.

Yuzvendra Chahal appeals for a wicket. (Twitter/@yuzi_chahal)

“You’ve picked four spinners, two of them are left-armers.

“You could’ve included a leg-spinner for variation, too. Chahal is a superb bowler.

“I don’t know what wrong he did, that he doesn’t fit in this team,” Harbhajan said.

India are in Group A in the Champions Trophy and begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, after which they play Pakistan on February 23, and New Zealand on March 2.