of India Squad announcement for the upcoming three-match ODI series England caused great debate among fans and experts. While the return of several senior players grabbed the headlines, a few notable contributors also made headlines. Among them was the keeper-batter Sanju Samsondespite enjoying a prolific run across formats in recent months, has failed to make the squad.
Past South Africa captain AB de Villiers focused on the selection debates and offered his assessment of India’s options. The legendary striker discussed the goalkeeping options chosen by team management and reflected on how close certain players could be to the final cut.
AB de Villiers in Sanju Samson missing from India’s ODI squad
Speaking on his YouTube channel, De Villiers admitted that he felt Samson would struggle for a place in the team. India chose Ishan Kishi and KL Rahul As their two wicket-batters for England ODIs, Samson and both Rishabh pants they were left out. The South African great pointed out that Samson was enjoying the strong IPL 2026 campaign and also carried impressive form for international cricket. According to De Villiers, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) appeared to be closer to a biased choice than many expected.
“Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul are the two best wicket-keepers. The main thing is that there is no Pant, no Samson. Samson should have been closer, closer than Pant because he had a really good IPL and also showed signs of form before. Not too many surprises there, only for Samson, I feel he is close,” De Villiers said.
Samson was among the standout performers in IPL 2026 after his move to Chennai Super Kings. The right-hander amassed 477 runs from 14 matches at an average of 43.36 runs and a strike rate of 165.62, including two centuries. He also impressed at the time 2026 T20 World Cup321 runs in five matches at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37, scoring three half-centuries.
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De Villiers also thinks about Virat Kohli’s comeback
He also spoke about De Villiers Virat Kohli Back to India’s ODI setup. The former Indian captain was running out Afghanistan ODI series, due to a hamstring injury Yashasvi Jaiswal an opportunity on the side. Jaiswal grabbed his chance for a century, but Kohli’s comeback meant the youngster made way once again. While de Villiers admitted the situation was unfortunate for Jaiswal, he believed the decision was understandable given Kohli’s stature and recent form.
“Virat Kohli is back. It’s been a bit harsh on Jaiswal, who came back in Virat’s place, who scored a hundred, and now he has to make way. No complaints there, but sometimes when your king comes back, when the key players come back, they look a bit harsh on the players. So it really makes sense for Virat to maintain his form. IPL,” De Villiers said.
Kohli enters the England series after another outstanding IPL season. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) The star was instrumental in the franchise’s title-winning campaign, scoring 675 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84.
