IND vs ZIM Live: Sanju Samson Out for 24, Fans React in Must-Win T20 World Cup 2026 Clash

Sanju Samson's return to the XI lasted just 15 balls on Wednesday night as India's high-stakes Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe at Chepauk took an early twist.

Opening the innings, Samson began fluently, striking a towering six off Blessing Muzarabani and helping India to 13 in the first over. He raced to 24 off 15 balls, briefly injecting momentum into a must-win contest where net run-rate looms large. But the cameo ended abruptly in the fourth over, with Muzarabani striking back to dismiss him as India slipped to 48/1 in 3.4 overs.

The dismissal once again spotlighted Samson's inconsistent T20I returns. At Chepauk, a venue where his numbers have historically been modest, the right-hander failed to convert a brisk start into a statement innings - something India desperately needed given the qualification equation.

On X, reactions were swift and divided.

One user described it as a "ceremonial 20ish by Sanju Samson."

Another wrote: "Sanju Samson falls after a promising start and the Cheapuk crowd is stunned! Muzarabani is pumped, Zimbabwe here, Again failed to convert the the start into a big one"

Criticism grew sharper as fans revisited his recent record. "Sanju Samson should consider himself lucky to even get 2 chances in this T20WC, yet he didn't capitalize on it properly. 22 vs NAM 24 vs ZIM today," read one post.

Another user shared a detailed breakdown of his last 18 T20I innings, concluding: "This fraud is failing against Zimbabwe as well, don't know how he is still playing."

For India, the stakes extend beyond one wicket. With qualification hinging on both results and net run-rate, starts need to be converted into match-defining knocks. On a night where every run could shape their semi-final fate, Samson's 24 felt brisk but set the tone for the Indian squad to amplify.