Asia Cup 2025: Sanju Samson enjoys huge UAE support but must deliver runs to secure his spot

After an intense practice session at the ICC Academy, Sanju Samson made his way down the corridor toward the team bus. Just then, a group of excited fans spotted him and began chanting his name, hoping to catch his attention.

Sanju, always known for his calm nature, smiled, waved, and walked toward the supporters. As he did, India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav lightheartedly shouted: “Local boy! Sanju Samson from Trivandrum,” drawing laughter and cheers from those around.

While many teammates had already taken their seats on the bus, Sanju lingered behind, signing autographs and interacting with the crowd. Adding to the playful moment, someone from inside the bus jokingly called out: “Aaja mera local boy (come, my local boy)!” The fun banter captured the lighthearted camaraderie in the Indian camp and showed Sanju’s warm bond with both fans and teammates.

See Also: ‘Cricket has lost a unique character..’- Indian stalwart pays tribute to legendary umpire Dickie Bird

Sanju Samson’s Warm Bond With Fans:

With close to a million Malayalis residing in the UAE, Sanju Samson is embraced like a hometown star in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Fans gather in huge numbers to cheer him on, celebrating every run. During his match-winning fifty against Oman in Abu Dhabi, the DJ kept spirits high with popular Malayalam hits, especially the chartbuster ‘Illuminati from Aavesham’.

Stadiums in the UAE are filled with banners reading phrases like “Chettam polia” (Brother, you’re awesome) and “Mone Kalaku” (Son, shine bright). A clip of a toddler shouting Sanju’s name has gone viral, while Kerala restaurants constantly buzz about him, with a few even attempting to invite him for dinner through his manager—though unsuccessfully.

Najeeb of Theepori restaurant in Sharjah, said, " You post a short video of him having a meal or even a cup of tea from any hotel on Insta, it would become viral.” Last year, the star cricketer also lent his support as the ambassador of a blood donation drive, further strengthening his bond with fans through his involvement in meaningful community initiatives.

Around ten Sanju Samson fan clubs in the UAE have been eagerly attempting to connect with him, hoping for a quick photo or even a meal together. Ravi George, part of the Gulf Fans Association for Sanju Samson, expressed their excitement and dedication.

That fan said, “ He will be quite busy now. Maybe, once the tournament is over, we can go to the team hotel and take a picture with him. It’s difficult to enter the training premises but some of my friends managed autographs. If he talks, we will invite him for lunch or breakfast.”

Several Malayali associations, numbering over two dozen across the country, are eager to host Sanju Samson. They hope to arrange a reception or a meet-and-greet event to celebrate his growing popularity, Ravi mentioned.

He said, “ I am sure most of them have reached out to him. He was supposed to come for an event in May here, but could not. This time, I would not miss him. I bought tickets for all the games in Dubai, but my son got a fever and I couldn’t attend any. Hopefully, I will watch the Bangladesh game. Hopefully, he gets a big one.”

He further said, “ We love him whether he gets out for a duck or a hundred, but obviously we pray that he scores a match-winning knock every game. We will be there in the stands for all his games. We would be his 12th man.”

Sanju Samson’s 56 off 41 balls at No.3 in Abu Dhabi earned him the man of the match award, but it wasn’t a fluent innings. He mistimed strokes, struggled with strike rotation, and found power hard to generate. Fans noticed it wasn’t the free-flowing Sanju they usually associate with IPL brilliance.

At this stage of his career, Sanju Samson needs consistent backing to settle into the middle order and sharpen his game. Such encouragement would not only boost his confidence but also delight his passionate “local” supporters.