Team India kicked off their cricketing action in 2023 with the T20I series against Sri Lanka on 3 January. It was the first game of the three-match series that took place in Wankhede, Mumbai. After having a disappointing 2022, the Men in Blue were looking for a fresh start in the new year. However, all eyes were on Sanju Samson as he got a chance for this series.
Reports were there that Sanju Samson might get a chance in the 20-20 World Cup 2022. But, unfortunately, he did not get a chance. Then, he was a part of the team India squad in both the ODI and T20I series in New Zealand. But, he got to play only one ODI match where he scored 36 runs off 38 balls.
Sanju Samson scored only five runs off six balls against Sri Lanka in the first T20I
So fans were not happy with the team management as they gave so much limited opportunity to the wicketkeeper batter. Meanwhile, when the Indian Cricket Board announced the squads for both the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka, fans were expecting to see his name in both squads. But, Sanju got a call in the shortest format but failed to get a place in the 50-over format. So, all eyes were on Hardik Pandya whether he will consider him playing in the final playing XI in the first T20I.
In absence of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya got the opportunity to lead the Men in Blue. Speaking about the match, India handed two debut caps to Shubman Gill and Shivam Mavi. But, fans became happy to see Sanju Samson in the final playing XI. However, Pandya lost the toss and Sri Lanka asked them to bat first. While batting first, India lost two quick wickets for just 38 runs. Then, Sanju Samson came out to bat. But, he wasted another opportunity in his career. Samson scored only five runs off six balls at a strike rate of 83.33. So, fans were not happy with the batter and they started to slam him on social media platforms.
Here is how fans have slammed Sanju Samson for his failure in the first T20I:
Sad for Sanju Samson ?? #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/e7S0W5EN78
— ?~?????~?•?? (@PawanKu46242209) January 3, 2023
Aaj fans gayab hai?. Achaa haa aaj to chance na milne ka bahana bhi nhi de skte na?#SanjuSamson #INDvSL https://t.co/TWl7oWSMQ1
— Umesh (@umesh822_1) January 3, 2023
Kaha hai bhaiiii Sanju Samson ke liye justice mangne Wale?
Bhaiii ku6 Log IPL ke liye Hi Bane Hote Hain … Usme ek ye bhi hai ..#INDvSL #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/AjsACU9VfZ
— mr Khan (@mr_sany_) January 3, 2023
What a way to throw your wicket sanju
Pant hota toh abhi tak trend ho jata #SanjuSamson #RishabhPant— Pintu Yadav (@pintuabd18) January 3, 2023
Sanju Samson has been dismissed cheaply once again. #SanjuSamson #IndvSL pic.twitter.com/XumPkA6icV
— CBTF Speed News (@cbtfspeednews) January 3, 2023
This is what When u select players based on hype and PR #SanjuSamson
— Ultra ????? (@ultragyaan) January 3, 2023
Sanju Samson got out on 5(6)
Le- Sanju Samson fans and PR right now#INDvSL #SanjuSamson #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/B0u5elcElc
— Tejashav Thakur (@kohli_admirer1) January 3, 2023
Sanju Samson? pic.twitter.com/dGEK6z589f
— Pulkit???? (@pulkit5Dx) January 3, 2023
