Sanju Samson delivered one of the most memorable innings of the tournament, producing a breathtaking unbeaten 97 against the West Indies to guide India into the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter’s fearless knock in a must-win encounter sent Indian fans into celebration mode, as his calculated aggression powered the team to a thrilling five-wicket victory.

However, while the cricketing world applauded Sanju Samson’s brilliance, the aftermath of the match also saw an unfortunate controversy unfold on social media. Shortly after India’s emphatic win over the West Indies team at Eden Gardens, a post on X drew widespread criticism. The user shared Samson’s photograph with a caption that many considered offensive, triggering immediate backlash from fans across the country.

The remark quickly went viral and sparked outrage among supporters, with several voices condemning the comment as racist and unacceptable. Among those reacting strongly was the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, which demanded strict action against the individual responsible for the post. The party even urged Ashwini Vaishnaw to intervene and address the issue of online harassment targeting the Indian cricketer.

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“This kind of vile racism has absolutely no place in India,” the party wrote in its post, emphasising that Samson represents the pride of Kerala and deserves respect rather than abuse. The incident once again highlighted the darker side of social media that athletes often have to deal with despite their on-field achievements.

This kind of vile racism has absolutely no place in India.

We urge @AshwiniVaishnaw to take immediate action against the person behind the account who posted this disgusting comment targeting Sanju Samson, the pride of Kerala. pic.twitter.com/uVlVr1PNbN

— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) March 2, 2026

Interestingly, Samson’s heroic performance came after a significant change in India’s batting strategy. Following the heavy defeat to the South Africa national cricket team earlier in the tournament, the team management decided to promote him back to the opening slot. The move aimed to break the left-hand heavy batting combination that had disrupted India’s rhythm in previous matches.

The decision paid off in spectacular fashion. Samson smashed 97 off just 50 deliveries, striking 12 boundaries and four sixes while chasing a daunting 196-run target. His composed yet aggressive innings ensured India stayed in control despite wickets falling at the other end.

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After the match, Samson revealed how he dealt with the pressure and criticism. The 29-year-old admitted he had switched off his phone and stayed away from social media to maintain focus. “I kept believing in myself, switched off my phone and listened to my inner voice,” Sanju Samson said, reflecting on an innings that not only silenced critics but also kept India’s World Cup dream alive.