Sanju Samson’s dismal run with the bat in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand has continued. In the ongoing fourth fixture at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, the opener was bowled for 24 off 15 deliveries.
Samson’s poor form has recently attracted attention. A lot of fans felt this was an all-or-nothing game for the talented batter. He got off to a promising start but failed to make the most of it and convert it into a big score.
In the match, the Men in Blue were chasing 216-runtarget. When his opening partner Abhishek Sharma was dismissed without scoring, it became Samson’s show with the bat.
But the pressure was on and the 31-year-old couldn’t produce a moment of magic when it counted. He has so far scored 40 runs in four innings of the ongoing series.
As a result, many fans and experts, Aakash Chopra among others took to social media to call out Samson for yet again failing to capitalise on an opportunity presented. Here are some of the most discussed responses on X:
Sanju hasn’t helped his cause.
Getting out against the new ball…can happen.
Today’s dismissal, to spin…after getting set, is going to hurt. #IndvNZ
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 28, 2026Sanju Samson has no confidence man just drop him and play Ishan Kishan.
— Vishnu (@itsvishnu17) January 28, 2026Sanju Samson, nah man I am disappointed. This was your time to make it big. Looked clueless. Not done.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 28, 2026Sanju Samson’s form was also a hot topic leading up to the series. He averaged 20.18 in 2025, scoring 222 runs in 15 T20Is.
Mitchell Santner strikes as Sanju Samson falls just after powerplay in IND vs NZ 2026 4th T20I
In his brief innings, Sanju Samson hit three fours and one six. In the eighth over, as soon as the powerplay was done and the New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner bowled him.
The left-arm spinner bowled from round the wicket and delivered a good length. Samson backed away and attempted to play the ball on the off side.
But he was preoccupied with the spin and the ball crunched onto his stumps. Santner dismissed Sanju for the third time in three T20s.
India scored 87/5 From 11 overs at the time of writing, with Shivam Dube (12* off 6) and Harshit Rana (1* off 1). The hosts have already accomplished a series win, after taking a 3-0 lead.
