CUTTACK: Former Indian Player R Ashwin responded to the selectors' omitting Malayali player Sanju Samson from the playing XI for the first T20I against South Africa. Ashwin, through his YouTube channel, said he has found it more difficult for Sanju to find a place in the team with the return of Shubman Gill as vice-captain.

“The decision to drop Sanju before the match had led to a lot of discussion. Despite Sanju being in good form, the team management went ahead with a different combination suited to the slow pitch. Sanju has been one of the best batsmen for India in the T20 format, but alas, the youngster is still far away from entering the good books of selectors.

Shubman Gill's return as vice-captain made Sanju lose his opening spot. Instead, Sanju was considered for the middle-order

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