Star India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson’s dismal outing in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand finally came to an end, but with a run-a-ball six-run knock, as the internet bashed him outrightly for failing in an entire series just ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Life-size cutouts, banners, flexes and congratulatory messages lined the stretch from Vizhinjam, Samson’s hometown, to Karyavattom’s Greenfield Stadium, but the show of support went in vain.
Samson was dismissed by Lockie Ferguson in just the third over of the game, as the stadium was silenced.
“Meet Sanju Samson- Can’t play spin-can’t play fast-only survival on pr- connection with a politician. Most overrated cricketer ever in the history of cricket,” a user tweeted on Saturday
evening.
Meet Sanju Samson
– Cant play spin
-cant play fast
-only survival on pr
– connection with politicianMost overrated cricketer ever in the history of cricket. pic.twitter.com/PfFMjxl7ry
— MARCUS (@MARCUS907935) January 31, 2026
A meme page also drew in head coach Gautam Gambhir into the online banter.
Gautam Gambhir watching Sanju Samson pic.twitter.com/VKVAMOmYvI
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) January 31, 2026
“The way Sanju Samson was backed, if Ruturaj Gaikwad had received even half of that support, India might have a proper opener,” a user tweeted.
The way Sanju Samson was backed, if Ruturaj Gaikwad had received even half of that support, India might have a proper opener.
Solid technique, calm temperament, and exactly what India needs right now.
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) January 31, 2026
“Even at his home ground, Thiruvananthapuram, Sanju Samson, the so-called PR maestro, failed yet again, managing just 6 runs,” another user wrote.
Even at his home ground, Thiruvananthapuram, Sanju Samson the so-called PR maestro failed yet again, managing just 6 runs.
Choosing him over Gill or Jaiswal will go down as a historic mistake by the Indian team management and selectors.#SanjuSamson #INDvNZ #T20WorldCup #T20I pic.twitter.com/otNSfQDzD4
— Deepak Negi (@AdvDeepakNegi) January 31, 2026
The build-up to the fifth T20I revolved around Samson, with vendors selling caps, T-shirts and jerseys bearing his name and face, but it all ended on a grim note.
