Indiaclash against Namibia too ICC T20 World Cup 2026 it was expected to be a routine walk, but for this Sanju Samsonturned into another chapter of research and discussion. Stylish goalkeeper-prone, patient instead drafted into the playing XI Abhishek Sharmagot a golden opportunity to strengthen his position. Instead, his brief stint at the crease sparked a storm online, with fans once again questioning his consistency on the international stage.
A bright start but short lived for Sanju Samson
Entering with intent, Samson wasted no time in announcing himself. He hit boundaries at will, reaching 22 runs off just eight deliveries. The timing was sweet, the batting elegant – reminiscent of the great talent that has thrilled Indian cricket watchers for so long.
However, as the momentum picked up, Samson was knocked down attempting another attack kick. The layoff halted India’s early growth and reopened a familiar debate: shining bright, but not for long enough.
In T20 cricket, cameos are often of value, especially in the quick strike rate. But in Samson’s case, expectations have always been different. Fans and analysts alike believe that he has the ability to dominate bowling attacks and strike deep into the innings. That belief, while a compliment to his talent, also fueled criticism when he failed to turn starts into significant contributions.
Within minutes of his dismissal, social media platforms were flooded with reactions. Memes, sarcastic posts and sharp criticism started trending. Some users questioned why Samson kept getting chances, while others compared him to players waiting on the bench.
A section of fans argued that a 22-run blitz in a World Cup game should not be dismissed outright, especially if it increases the early scoring rate. But louder voices pointed out the missed opportunity. With India aiming to build momentum in the tournament, supporters expected a more decisive performance against a relatively inexperienced Namibian attack.
The trolling reflected a wider frustration among fans who have seen Samson produce similar bursts of speed in the past.
Also READ: IND vs NAM, T20 World Cup 2026: Why Abhishek Sharma and Mohammed Siraj not playing in today’s match
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Sanju Samson in T20is
58 matches
50 shots
1100 runs
23 medium
148
3 fifty
3 hundredHis stat 3 clears hundreds
47 shots
773 runs
18 medium
135 SRBiggest scam in Indian cricket!!#T20WorldCup #INDvsNAM pic.twitter.com/KXKMDsN0KA
— muntaha khan (@ishasingh0987) February 12, 2026
Sanju Samson today 🤣#INDvsNAM #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/nQAbSjxzIs
– RB. (@rahul4bisht) February 12, 2026
Sanju Samson 😀 pic.twitter.com/SircodcXoI
— Vaibhav Bhola 🇮🇳 (@VibhuBhola) February 12, 2026
Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav, thanks for your efforts, but now you both are retiring from cricket, thank you 🙏
— Aditi (@aditiraaaj) February 12, 2026
Sanju Samson in his last T20i knock:
26(20), 5(7), 3(6), 1(3), 16(7), 56(45), 13(17), 39(23), 24(21), 2(4), 37(22), 10(7), 6(5), 0(1), 24(15), 6(8),217 Middle,
129 SR.
– Does this cheating minnow basher still get a chance? He should be fired. pic.twitter.com/3bD7COXSmi— EMROK, O (@vardhan_verma) February 12, 2026
The last time I saw Sanju Samson perform was before WW2
#INDvNAM #ICCMensT20 World Cup #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/2yqExHlLMS
— Ajay Yadav🦁 (@ajayyadav000008) February 12, 2026
Samson in nets:
Samson in the match: pic.twitter.com/UDF3VtXONX
— hitwicket (@shukla_ji27) February 12, 2026
“Go to the third part of shots or rap in Chinese”
Sanju Samson: pic.twitter.com/oxYMe6NJvy
— nin’s kaki (@cowboylikegill) February 12, 2026
Sanju Samson takes 2 good shots and I get my hopes up and then he gets out..
Most inconsistent cricketer ever..😭pic.twitter.com/JeUWh3spqm
— saravanvelu (@saravanvelu2) February 12, 2026
Sanju Samson started well but failed to convert.
Another chance successfully wasted.— Sagarika Dixit (@saga__r) February 12, 2026
