Fans were stunned and disappointed Sanju Samson couldn’t use it with the bat During the second T20I against New Zealand January 23, 2026. Chasing a big target of 209, Samson left with the weight of expectations after being replaced. Shubman Gill in the opening slot but his stay at the crease lasted just five deliveries. Social media immediately became a battleground of criticism and memes as fans complained about his failure to deliver consistent performances ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup.
Sanju Samson’s dismissal and the 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 from 5 balls in the first over of the chase. After a frustrating start Matt HenrySamson attempted to break the handcuffs with an aggressive aerial kick, but only managed to find his hands. Rachin Ravindra in the middle.
The failure comes on the heels of a 10 (7) failure in the series opener in Nagpur, which marked a disastrous “flop show” for a player touted as the heir apparent to India’s top-order vacancies. Fans have been particularly harsh in their trolling, noting that Samson has scored only one significant score in his last twelve T20I innings, at a paltry average of 19.33. The contrast between his “million dollar innings” and his subsequent “brainless dismissal” has led many to call for Gill’s immediate reinstatement as the Indian cricket community seems to have finally run out of patience just weeks before the global tournament.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Meet Sanjuu Samson:-
– There are selected ones in the team
– He didn’t make a speech
– I was expelled from the team
-kicked the justice gang for PRThe most cheating player he’s ever seen? pic.twitter.com/TmnpitrP0f
— MARCUS (@MARCUS907935) January 23, 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad >>> Sanju Samson is overrated 🤡 pic.twitter.com/ebPmpmhcv7
— Aditya (@adityacasm_) January 23, 2026
After this series Sanju Samson 😭
— Jason (@mahixcavi7) January 23, 2026
So how long will we continue with the farce called Sanju Samson? It’s hard to remember the last time he scored a meaningful run. Hilarious hype for years to have this guy on the team ssss!! 🏏
— Sohini M. (@Mittermaniac) January 23, 2026
POV: Sanju Samson when it comes to seizing opportunitiespic.twitter.com/t9RVxa91rN
— Aman_Chain 🏳️ (@Amanprabhat9) January 23, 2026
Nice selfless cameo by Sanju Samson. This Gill never loved.
— Archer (@poserarcher) January 23, 2026
Sanju Samson 😭😭#T20I pic.twitter.com/jbP7qEFHZu
— 💙 (@Alreadysad__) January 23, 2026
Sanju samson career without PR😭 pic.twitter.com/L8Dg9tyWlW
— ADITYA (@wXtreme18) January 23, 2026
Sanju Samson is said to be “talented”. I agree. He gives his goal to the opposition every time there is pressure. 10 years of ‘potential’ and we’re still waiting for delivery. At this rate, he’ll be a “hope” at the retirement ceremony😂 https://t.co/UFJPFhypVw
— OldMonkOfCricket (@BhushanManmath) January 23, 2026
BCCI to Sanju Samson after this series: pic.twitter.com/wKejidHGys
— 4pennyonhorse (@4pennyonhorse) January 23, 2026
Also READ: EXPLANATION: Why New Zealand players wear black armbands during IND v NZ 2nd T20I in Raipur
India’s 209-run chase, balanced by Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, stabilizes the innings
The match in Raipur remains on a knife edge as India continue their storming chase after the early departure of Samson and Samson. Abhishek Sharmawho was the golden duck. New Zealand’s total of 208/6 was built on the back of a late knock from the captain. Mitchell Santner (47) An unbeaten and fluent 44 from Rachin despite his disciplined efforts. Hardik Pandya. In reply, India were earlier reeling at 6/2 Ishan Kishi and launched an amazing counter-attack Zach Foulkes A single 24 runs to revive the hopes of the home fans. At the 6th over mark, India reached 75/2 Suryakumar Yadav and Kishan steadied the innings. While the required run rate remains high, Hardik and his presence Rinku Singh shelter keep India as slight favorites to claim a sensational victory and take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Also READ: IND vs NZ: Here’s why Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and others missed today’s 2nd T20I in Raipur
