![Sanju Samson faces heavy backlash [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1769868482815_SanjuSamsonfacesheavybacklash.jpg?type=hq)
Sanju Samson faces heavy backlash [Source: X]
Thiruvananthapuram had to witness a disappointing plot as India’s wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson endured a poor run in the New Zealand T20I series. Just weeks ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Sanju Samson has been in disastrous form.
The final T20I on January 31 proved to be the last straw for the 31-year-old ahead of India’s opening match against the USA on February 7. Samson was dismissed for just six runs in the fifth T20I against New Zealand.
Coming off a disappointing series in which he averaged just 9.20 from five matches, his returns included a golden duck, two single-digit scores, and a 15-ball 24 in the fourth T20I that briefly rescued his numbers.
Sanju Samson fails to deliver despite mega faith from team India
Although Thiruvananthapuram, which hosted the fifth and final T20I of the New Zealand series, celebrated Samson with enthusiastic support, the batter failed to justify the faith of the home crowd.
Notably, India made three changes to the playing eleven, with Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy coming in, while Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav were left out for the final T20I.
Netizens troll Samson’s poor performance
However, Sanju Samson retained his place in the playing eleven but failed to repay the faith shown by the team management. Beyond the New Zealand series setback, this has also cast a cloud of uncertainty over his prospects for the mega ICC tournament.
With Tilak Varma close to returning to the squad, the number three position remains uncertain, with Ishan Kishan also eyeing the spot. After Sanju Samson’s poor showing in the final T20I, the opening position could now be handed to Kishan, who is a proven opener despite batting at number three in the New Zealand series.
As a result, Samson could face exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad, a prospect that has worried fans. Netizens slammed Samson’s poor run of performances in the New Zealand series, trolling him and raising concerns over a potential T20 World Cup snub.
Here’s a look at how fans reacted to Samson’s omission fears:
Samson failed to convert success
Despite enjoying a strong run ahead of the New Zealand series, scoring a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and averaging 58.25 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Samson failed to carry that form into the series that mattered most.
Nevertheless, time is running out for the batter, with India set to next take the field against the USA in their opening group-stage match.
India in trouble after losing both openers
As of now, India are in trouble after losing two wickets inside the powerplay, with Ishan Kishan and skipper Suryakumar Yadav currently holding the fort at the crease.
The lineup to follow includes Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, offering plenty of firepower. However, losing early wickets on a batting-friendly pitch is never a good sign.
For the unaware, Lockie Ferguson, who made a comeback to the national setup after almost a year, picked up both wickets of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson to silence the Indian crowd at the Greenfield International Stadium, as New Zealand made a solid start.
