Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes fitness is the only valid reason that could justify Sanju Samson's recent omission from India's T20I playing XI. The cricketer-turned-commentator urged the wicketkeeper-batter to improve his physical conditioning and follow Virat Kohli's example, describing the former India captain as the ideal role model at this stage of Samson's career.
Sanjay Manjrekar's remarks come at a time when Sanju Samson's place in India's T20 setup has become one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. After losing his spot in the playing XI during the England series, the 31-year-old was also left out of the squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. While multiple reports have suggested that the decision was part of India's broader squad planning rather than a permanent axing, Sanjay Manjrekar believes Samson can strengthen his case by reaching the fitness standards set by Kohli.
Sanju Samson's place in India's T20I side came under the spotlight after he was first dropped from the playing XI during the England series and then left out of the squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.
The wicketkeeper-batter had endured a difficult run on the Ireland and England tours, registering scores of 5, 0 and 1, before India handed 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his international debut. However, Cricinfo reported that those three low scores were not the primary reason behind Samson's omission from the Zimbabwe squad.
According to the report, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee viewed the Zimbabwe tour as an opportunity to test fringe players. With Sanju Samson already included in India's plans for the 2026 Asian Games, selectors reportedly preferred to hand Prabhsimran Singh an opportunity after his impressive IPL performances and recent India A appearances.
The decision nevertheless surprised many because it came only months after Samson enjoyed the best phase of his international career. He finished as the third-highest run-scorer at the 2026 T20 World Cup and was named Player of the Tournament after producing three successive match-winning knocks in the business end of the competition.
Reports from Indian Express, Sportstar and PTI have since indicated that Samson remains part of India's future plans. While Indian Express and PTI described the decision as workload management and squad rotation, Sportstar reported that the management wanted to provide Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with an extended run. Although the explanations vary slightly, none of the reports suggest India has permanently moved on from Samson.
Sanjay Manjrekar tells Sanju Samson to improve fitness and take inspiration from Virat Kohli
Reacting to Sanju Samson's omission, Sanjay Manjrekar said he believes fitness is the only valid cricketing reason that could justify leaving the Kerala batter out of the playing XI. The former India batter stressed that Samson needs to improve his physical conditioning and should look up to Virat Kohli, who has set the benchmark for fitness in Indian cricket.
Manjrekar wrote on X: "Only reason that is valid for Samson dropping is his fitness. If that's the reason, it's a fair call. Samson not helping his cause by not being in peak physical condition. At this stage of his career, Samson must keep Virat as his role model."
Only reason that is valid for Samson dropping is his fitness. If that’s the reason, it’s a fair call. Samson not helping his cause by not being in peak physical condition. At this stage of his career, Samson must keep Virat as his role model.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 8, 2026Virat Kohli's reputation as one of the fittest cricketers in world cricket extends far beyond his physique. Since transforming 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's captain, fitness standards rose significantly, with the Yo-Yo Test becoming an important part of the selection process.
His athleticism has remained one of his biggest strengths throughout his career. Whether sprinting hard between the wickets, patrolling the boundary for long periods or maintaining intensity across five-day Test matches, Kohli has consistently operated at an elite physical level.
Gautam Gambhir opens up on Sanju Samson's axing
Meanwhile, India head coach Gautam Gambhir recently confirmed that he has already had a detailed conversation with Sanju Samson regarding his omission. While declining to reveal the contents of that discussion, Gambhir said the wicketkeeper-batter has complete clarity about his situation. He also praised Sanju Samson's outstanding contribution during India's T20 World Cup triumph and insisted there is no rule preventing him from forcing his way back into the side if his form improves.
Gautam Gambhir further explained that India's current T20I team is going through a transition following the World Cup, with several changes in personnel, including a new captain and young players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi being introduced. According to the head coach, rebuilding a side takes time, and the management remains focused on selecting the combination they believe gives India the best chance of winning while also developing players for the future.
Virat Kohli, meanwhile, appears close to returning to international cricket. Reports have stated that he has successfully completed his medical fitness assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence after recovering from the injury he suffered 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.
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