Sanju Samson Faces Racist Abuse on Social Media After Eden Heroics; Kerala Congress Seeks Action

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Star India cricketer Sanju Samson is receiving a lot of plaudits for his match-winning knock of 97* against West Indies in the virtual quarterfinal match against West Indies on Sunday (March 1) in the T20 World Cup 2026. But what should have been a moment of pure celebration of the wicketkeeper-batter's heroic knock was marred by a racist social media post that triggered widespread outrage.

At a packed Eden Gardens, Samson produced one of the finest knocks of his T20I career, smashing 97 off just 50 balls - decorated with 12 fours and four sixes - to anchor India's steep chase of 196 against the West Indies cricket team. His match-winning effort sealed a five-wicket victory and confirmed India's place in the last four.

However, soon after the game, a controversial post on X (formerly Twitter) drew sharp criticism. The post featured a photograph of Samson with a racially offensive caption, prompting anger among fans and political leaders alike.

Kerala Congress Demands Action

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee condemned the remark and urged Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take strict action against the account responsible for the post.

"This kind of vile racism has absolutely no place in India. We urge Ashwini Vaishnaw to take immediate action against the person behind the account who posted this disgusting comment targeting Sanju Samson, the pride of Kerala," the party wrote on X.

The incident sparked a wave of support for Samson, with fans rallying behind the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter and condemning online abuse.

Samson's Silent Comeback

The knock itself was a testament to Samson's mental resilience. Reinstated as opener after India's heavy defeat to South Africa in the Super Eight stage, the move was aimed at reviving a faltering top order. Samson responded in style.

After the match, he revealed how he had distanced himself from distractions to focus on performance.

"I kept believing in myself, switched off my phone, switched off social media and listened to my own self. I am very happy it happened in a very special game," Samson told Star Sports.

He acknowledged the pressure of the chase and the responsibility he felt as wickets fell around him.

"When the wickets kept falling, I felt I needed to finish the game and take it till the last moment. When you are chasing a score like this in a pressure game, you take different options and play more boundaries rather than looking at risk-taking options."

A Knock to Remember

Samson's 97 not only showcased his flair but also his maturity under pressure. In a must-win encounter, he balanced aggression with responsibility, ensuring India crossed the line in a high-stakes knockout-decider atmosphere.

While the racist post cast a shadow on an otherwise glorious night, the overwhelming support for Samson underscored a larger truth - performances like these define careers, and moments like these define champions.