India’s squad announcement for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England has generated considerable discussion among fans and experts. While the return of several senior players grabbed headlines, a few notable absentees also became a major talking point. Among them was wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who failed to secure a place in the squad despite enjoying a productive run across formats in recent months.
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers weighed in on the selection debate and offered his assessment of India’s choices. The legendary batter discussed the wicketkeeping options selected by the team management and reflected on how close certain players may have been to making the final cut.
AB de Villiers on Sanju Samson missing out on India’s ODI squad
Speaking on his YouTube channel, De Villiers admitted that he felt Samson would have been in contention for a place in the squad. India opted for Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul as their two wicketkeeper-batters for the England ODIs, while both Samson and Rishabh Pant were left out. The South African great pointed out that Samson had enjoyed a strong IPL 2026 campaign and had also carried impressive form into international cricket. According to De Villiers, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter appeared to be closer to selection than many expected.
“Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul the two top wicket-keepers. The big thing there is no Pant, no Samson. Samson must have been close, closer than Pant, as he had a really good IPL but also prior to that, showing signs of form. Not a lot of surprises there but just for Samson, I feel he was close,” De Villiers said.
Samson was among the standout performers in IPL 2026 after his move to Chennai Super Kings. The right-hander accumulated 477 runs from 14 matches at an average of 43.36 and a strike rate of 165.62, including two centuries. He also impressed during the 2026 T20 World Cup, scoring 321 runs in five matches at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37, registering three half-centuries.
De Villiers also reflects on Virat Kohli’s return
De Villiers also spoke about Virat Kohli’s return to India’s ODI setup. The former India captain missed the Afghanistan ODI series due to a hamstring injury, allowing Yashasvi Jaiswal an opportunity in the side. Jaiswal grabbed his chance with a century, but Kohli’s comeback meant the youngster had to make way once again. While De Villiers acknowledged that the situation was unfortunate for Jaiswal, he believed the decision was understandable given Kohli’s stature and recent form.
“Virat Kohli back. Little bit of a tough one on Jaiswal, who was back in Virat’s place, scoring the hundred and now he’s got to make way. No complaints there but it’s just a little bit harsh on players sometimes when your King comes back, when the main players come back, there is a process they are looking at. So truly makes sense for Virat to step in there and make sure he maintains the kind of form he showed in the IPL,” De Villiers stated.
Kohli heads into the England series after another outstanding IPL season. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star played a crucial role 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, including one century and five fifties.
