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Fans were left stunned and frustrated as Sanju Samson failed to capitalize with the bat during the second T20I against New Zealand on January 23, 2026. Chasing a massive target of 209, Samson walked out with the weight of expectation after replacing Shubman Gill in the opening slot, but his stay at the crease lasted just five deliveries. Social media immediately turned into a battlefield of criticism and memes trending once again as supporters lamented his inability to deliver consistent performances ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup.
Sanju Samson dismissal and ongoing flop show in the IND vs NZ T20I series
Samson’s struggle for rhythm reached a breaking point in Raipur, where he was dismissed for just 6 runs off 5 balls in the very first over of the chase. After a nervous start against Matt Henry, Samson attempted to break the shackles with an aggressive aerial shot but only succeeded in finding the hands of Rachin Ravindra at mid-on.
This failure follows a lackluster 10 (7) in the series opener at Nagpur, marking a disastrous ‘flop show’ for a player who was touted as the successor to India’s top-order vacancies. Fans have been particularly harsh in their trolling, pointing out that Samson has managed only one significant score in his last twelve T20I innings, averaging a meager 19.33. The contrast between his ‘million-dollar shots’ and his subsequent ‘brainless dismissals’ has led many to demand the immediate reinstatement of Gill, as the patience of the Indian cricketing public appears to have finally run out just weeks before the global tournament.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Meet Sanju Samson:-
-Gets select in the team
-Didnt perform
-kicked out form the team
-kicked justice gang for PRMost Fraud Player Never Ever Sees ?
— MARCUS (@MARCUS907935)
Ruturaj Gaikwad >>> overrated Sanju Samson 🤡
— Aditya (@adityacasm_)
Sanju Samson after this series 😭
— Jason (@mahixcavi7)
So, how long are we going to persist with the farce called Sanju Samson? Hard to remember the last time he scored any meaningful runs. Ridiculous propaganda for yearsssss to have this guy in the team!! 🏏
— Sohini M. (@Mittermaniac)
POV: Sanju Samson when it comes to utilising opportunities
— Aman_Chain 🏳️ (@Amanprabhat9)
Nice selfless cameo by Sanju samson. Loved this Gill could never.
— Archer (@poserarcher)
Sanju Samson 😭😭
— 💙 (@Alreadysad__)
Sanju samson career without PR😭
— ADITYA (@wXtreme18)
They say Sanju Samson is 'gifted.' I agree. He keeps gifting his wicket to the opposition every time the pressure is actually on. 10 years of 'potential' and we’re still waiting for the delivery. At this rate, he’ll be 'promising' at his retirement ceremony😂
— OldMonkOfCricket (@BhushanManmath)
BCCI to Sanju Samson after this series:
— 4pennyonhorse (@4pennyonhorse)
Also READ: EXPLAINED: Why New Zealand players are wearing black armbands during IND v NZ 2nd T20I in Raipur
India’s 209-run chase in balance with Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan stabilizing the innings
The match in Raipur remains on a knife-edge as India navigates a turbulent chase following the early departures of both Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who fell for a golden duck. New Zealand’s total of 208/6 was built on the back of a late-innings blitz from captain Mitchell Santner (47) unbeaten and a fluent 44 from Rachin, despite the disciplined efforts of Hardik Pandya. In response, India was reeling at 6/2 before Ishan Kishan launched a stunning counter-attack, smashing Zak Foulkes for 24 runs in a single over to revive the local fans’ hopes. At the 6-over mark, India have reached 75/2 , with Suryakumar Yadav and Kishan stabilizing the innings. While the required run rate remains high, the presence of Hardik and Rinku Singh in the dugout keeps India as slight favorites to pull off a sensational victory and take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
