Sanju Samson failed to convert another good start in the ongoing T20 World Cup, this time in the Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on February 26.
The Indian team management introduced two key changes to their playing XI in the must-win showdown against Zimbabwe. Sanju Samson and Axar Patel were recalled to the side, replacing Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar. Handed his second opportunity of the tournament, Samson was promoted to the opening slot and immediately delivered the aggressive momentum India required, helping the team find their rhythm early in the innings.
Sunil Gavaskar not happy with Sanju Samson's batting struggles
Despite the promising start, Samson was unable to capitalize on his 24-run cameo. His innings came to an end in the fourth over when he was caught at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Blessing Muzarabani. While his dismissal was a setback, his explosive contribution anchored a vital 48-run opening partnership, setting a strong foundation for the middle order to build upon.
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Sanju Samson got out so many times in that region: Sunil Gavaskar
The manner of Samson’s exit drew sharp criticism from former captain and legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar. Analyzing the dismissal, Gavaskar pointed out a recurring pattern in the opener's technique, noting that opposition teams have successfully targeted his leg-side play. By cramping him for room with short-pitched deliveries, bowlers have frequently induced errors during the pull or hook shot—a tactical vulnerability that Gavaskar believes continues to plague the talented batter.
"He will be disappointed, because he's got out so many times in that region. Everybody knows bowl short, have a deep square leg. And again, it is the height of Muzarabani, which has allowed the ball to bounce a little bit more. That's why not quite off the middle of the bat. And so he got off to avery good start, 24 off 15. But he's holed out in the deep once again. And India have lost their first wicket at 48," Gavaskar said while commentating on StarSports.
The middle and lower order capitalized on this momentum to turn a great start into a historic one. Suryakumar Yadav provided a trademark high-impact cameo, localized around a 14-ball 33, before Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma took over for a lethal finishing act. The duo was particularly devastating in the closing stages, plundering 55 runs from the final three overs alone. Pandya reached a half-century in just 23 deliveries, while Varma’s unbeaten 44 off 26 balls featured four massive sixes, leaving the Zimbabwean bowlers with little room for error.
By the end of the 20 overs, India had amassed a staggering 256 for 4, rewriting the record books in the process. This total stands as the highest score recorded in the 2026 T20 World Cup so far.