"Happy Retirement Sanju Samson"- Fans React As Gambhir Drops T20 WC Player Of The Tournament

Sanju Samson gets dropped from Indian team [Source: AFP, X]

In a shocking revelation, veteran wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson has been dropped from India’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe. The sudden move left fans on the internet confused and shocked.

India are scheduled to play a 3-game T20I series in Zimbabwe from July 23 to 26. The BCCI announced the squad for the tour on social media on July 6. However, a few changes caught the fans' and critics’ eyes.

Sanju Samson dropped after a series of low scores

The big change that made headlines was the absence of wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson. The opener was dropped as Prabhsimran Singh took his place as second-choice wicketkeeper after Ishan Kishan.

Samson, who played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 victory just a few months ago, lost his spot after a few bad games. He had performed poorly in Ireland, scoring 5 and 0 in the two games.

Not only that, in the first T20I against England, the opener scored just a single run. Subsequently, he was dropped in the second T20I as 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his international debut.

However, what was expected to be a small setback has now turned into a career-altering move. Sanju Samson getting axed for the Zimbabwe tour signals that India may be looking to move on from him.

But it’s also important to note that Samson is still part of India’s squad for the Asian Games 2026, scheduled later in the year. 

Also Read: From MS Dhoni To Shreyas Iyer- Sanju Samson's Timeline With Team India Captains Since Debut

Fans fear retirement for Sanju Samson

Having said that, cricket fans in India were shell-shocked to see Sanju Samson getting dropped for the Zimbabwe tour. Many expressed disappointment on social media, stating the veteran deserved a longer rope, especially after his heroics in the T20 World Cup.

However, a few fans also felt that Samson’s time was up and that young blood like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi deserves the spot of the opener more than him.

Not only that, but many supporters also predicted that this move could end Sanju Samson’s international career. He is already 31 years old in a team where youngsters from the IPL are given more preference.

Silly Point

@FarziCricketer

They have sidelined Sanju Samson. What a brutal move tbh. It shows they never wanted him in the XI, and were forced to fit in during the T20 World Cup after the outrage. Must be tough for them to see him performing since that made them play him rest of the tournament and

AdityaRRaj

@RR_for_LIFE

Selectors to Sanju Samson whenever India needs to drop a player 😭😭

Jul 6, 2026, 7:10 PM

Kunal Yadav

@Kunal_KLR

It's official, Happy Retirement, Samson. 🥺

Jul 6, 2026, 7:04 PM

Jai 🌐

@_Jaikaal

Its unbelievable what is happening with Sanju Samson. Its not like T20 WC cycle is of 4 years. And you have just finished a WC campaign. Give respect and fair run to match winners and then take a call if needed. Why are they in so hurry to axe players now-a-days?

Jul 6, 2026, 7:17 PM

Sandeep Yadav

@Kohliitak

@mufaddal_vohra Sanju Samson deserves better

Jul 6, 2026, 7:17 PM

rudy555

@WesG_5

@ErikaMorris79 GG is a vindictive man, no Rajat and no Samson- damn. Even Baz looks sane in front of GG

Ashok Sharma gets maiden call-up

Meanwhile, India’s squad for the Zimbabwe series also included a few surprises in the bowling unit. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana have been rested as Yash Thakur and Mayank Yadav make a comeback.

Apart from that, Ashok Sharma, who clocked high speed during the IPL 2026 season, received his maiden call-up. Prince Yadav has also been retained after a successful debut against Ireland.

Rinku Singh, the highly rated finisher, also makes his comeback into the T20I setup amid the absence of injury-riddled Hardik Pandya. Suryansh Shedge, who replaced Nitish Reddy, has also been retained.

Also Read: India T20 Squad For Zimbabwe Announced, Sanju Samson’s Replacement Picked