Sanju Samson, an Indian wicketkeeper and hitter, has developed a cult following among his supporters. Sanju has been able to amass a sizable following despite having a brief career and a short contract with the squad. The same fan base believes Sanju is purposefully overlooked when choosing performers for high-profile events. Another criticism is that he is purposefully being kept out of the starting lineup whereas players like Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have routinely received support from the skipper and team management over the years.

The aforementioned claim is false, and that much is obvious. Some players receive support, not out of bias but because they have helped the team management win their trust more than the other players. There were only a select few players that former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly supported and trusted, including Harbhajan Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Zaheer Khan, Virender Sehwag, and Yuvraj Singh. They also delivered. Similar to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni supported them. What follows is history.

Sanju Samson is an incredible and down to earth human being.pic.twitter.com/Xaln77a77d

Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 17, 2022

The present team is banking on Rishabh Pant to turn things around and even KL Rahul to do well in Australia. That faith is unquestionable. And Samson actually said that in a video exchange that is currently going popular online. Speaking about not being chosen for the T20 World Cup in 2022, he claimed that going up against Pant and Rahul would be a betrayal of his nation. "These days, in media and on social media, there are talks that who will Sanju replace in the Indian playing XI. Will you replace Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul. My thinking is very clear that both KL and Pant play for my own team. If I compete with my own teammates, then I'm letting my country down," said Samson on the World Cricket channel. 

He continued by expressing his gratitude for once again donning Indian colours on a cricket pitch after five years. Since there is fierce competition for spots, he believes being among the top 15 is something he loves greatly. "But I feel very fortunate that I made a comeback after 5 years. The Indian team was No 1 five years ago and even now. Becoming a part of the best 15 of the Indian cricket team is a big thing. But at the same time, you also have to think about yourself as well and it is important to be in the right frame of mind and think positively," said Sanju. 

T20 World Cup: Most experienced Shoaib Malik not included in the team? Afridi furious

India Maharajas vs World Giants: Pathan Brothers register a win for INM

Duleep Trophy: Venkatesh Iyer gets hit on the neck on a wild throw, is doing 'fine' now