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Sanju Samson’s struggles continued after a disappointing Ireland tour, as the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman once again failed to make an impact with the bat in the first T20I against England in Durham.
After suffering an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Ireland in the recent two-match T20I series, the India national cricket team was hoping for a better start to their five-match T20I series in England. Despite the setback, they retained the same lineup for the opening match of the England tour. Sanjay Manjrekar had already warned Sanju Samson regarding Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi was ignored but Sanju Samson failed again
Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi was once again overlooked for his India debut as he remained with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as the opening pair in Durham. Despite his inconsistent performances, he has been consistently given opportunities.
While Abhishek returned to his aggressive style with the bat, Samson once again failed to perform well in the opening match of the five-match T20 series on Wednesday, July 1. India suffered an early blow after the Kerala star was dismissed by Saqib Mahmood in the second over after scoring just 1 run in 7 balls.
The England fast bowler bowled a full ball just outside the off stump and Samson went for a powerful drive, but the ball flew into the air off the bat instead of staying on the ground.
Sanju Samson’s overseas T20I nightmare continues thanks to Saqib Mahmood, Tom Banton
Tom Banton, who was standing at backward point, showed excellent reaction as he dived to his right and completed a brilliant two-handed catch. With this dismissal, Samson continued his poor performance with the bat and recorded his third consecutive single-digit score.
With this out in Durham, Sanju Samson’s dreadful run of form in T20I cricket away from home continued. Apart from two brilliant centuries, Samson has failed to cross single figures in eight of his last 10 T20 innings, raising fresh questions over his consistency in overseas conditions.
In his last 10 T20I innings, the wicketkeeper-batsman has scored 0, 0, 107, 0, 0, 109, 2, 5, 0 and 1. Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara has issued a bold warning to Shreyas Iyer.
Here’s how fans reacted to Sanju Samson’s yet another flop show:
Sanju Samson’s failure continues:
Last 3 matches: 5, 0, 1
He played three courageous innings in the T20 World Cup, but now he is struggling in the bilateral series.
He is definitely making things easy for Vaibhav Suryavanshi. I think he’ll get another chance, and if he does… pic.twitter.com/kKFtXPNPeW
– Indian Cricket Ministry (@Tejashyyyyyy) July 1, 2026
Also throw light on Sanju Samson and Iyer ji. Vaibhav could not play in place of Shivam Dubey. There are already 5 bowlers so what is the problem. But the best coach and the best captain are waiting for the auspicious moment.
– Manish Singh (@ManishS66930874) July 1, 2026
Baba Sanju Samson pic.twitter.com/jBNAC3RGbk
– Gagan (@1no_aalsi_) July 1, 2026
Now I am convinced that Sanju Samson needs to come back into the justice fold and make way for Vaibhav Suryavanshi immediately https://t.co/2eSWT3ej52
– Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) July 1, 2026
Sanju Samson who led India to T20 World Cup sees batsmen scoring again in bilaterals pic.twitter.com/WlrCRwoTTz
– Rahul Singh (@rahulsinggggh) July 1, 2026
Sanju Samson remains the quintessential paradox in cricket – all the talent in the world, but consistency not showing up when it matters most. Another big chance missed early on at Chester-le-Street. A disappointment for fans who know what he is capable of.…
– Asif Khan (@_asif) July 1, 2026
Justice for Sanju Samson pic.twitter.com/3wSRsDmRLJ
– Bhaiya ji (@UpKaLadka32) July 1, 2026
Sangati and Sanju Samson are two parallel lines!! pic.twitter.com/ZmHldZt5or
– Navneet (@MSDian067) July 1, 2026
Sanju Samson never performs in irrelevant matches. pic.twitter.com/8Zkjyq6JXG
– Johnson✪ (@Ivika21) July 1, 2026
India’s top three should be Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sanju Samson. Ishan Kishan can bat at number 5 and I think India should drop Tilak Verma.
In my view, there is no point in continuing with Tilak Verma at number 5. I don’t think that might be the best situation…
– CricInformer (@CricInformer) July 1, 2026
Abhishek Sharma created history by hitting a brilliant six
On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma created history during the first T20 match against England. The Indian opener became the fastest batsman among Full Member nations to hit 100 sixes in T20I cricket. Abhishek achieved the feat in just 785 balls and broke the previous record of Evin Lewis, who needed 789 balls.
Abhishek became only the fifth Indian batsman to hit 100 or more sixes in T20I cricket. He joins the elite club of Rohit Sharma (205 sixes), Suryakumar Yadav (179), Hardik Pandya (126) and Virat Kohli (124).