Watch: Suryakumar Yadav’s special welcome to Sanju Samson in Thiruvattanampudam ahead of IND vs NZ 5th T20I goes viral
The Indian captain of the T20I side, Suryakumar Yadav, has given a warm welcome to their opening batter, Sanju Samson, in the latter's home ground at Thiruvattanampudam ahead of the fifth T20I against New Zealand.
Sanju Samson, the wicket-keeper and opening batter of the Indian cricket team, has had a poor series against New Zealand at home, collecting only 40 runs in four innings, with a best score of 24 in the fourth clash. Despite their series victory with an unassailable 3-1 lead, concern has been raised about the opening spot ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
The fifth and final T20I will be the last chance for Sanju Samson, who returns home at the Greenfield Cricket Stadium in Thiruvattanampudam, where fans will be cheering at their loudest to back the right-handed batter. The 31-year-old has overall smashed 1072 runs in 48 innings at an average of 24.36 and a strike rate of 147.86, thanks to three fifties and as many centuries.
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The Indian team landed in Kerala on January 30, and a light-hearted moment took place involving skipper Suryakumar Yadav, which caught attention. The men in blue were making their way out of the airport, as Surya was seen clearing the path for the local star, Samson.
Suryakumar Yadav gives warm welcome to Sanju Samson
The Indian captain could be heard saying, “Don’t disturb Chetta. Make way for him.” Samson responded with a broad smile as Sky kept cracking several jokes. He joined the warm reception in a playful way as the batter will now look to turn his fortune at his home ground on January 31.
Watch the video here:
Samson missed the biggest part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as he cracked 285 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of 140.39 with the help of one half-century at the best score of 66 runs. His 2024 edition was phenomenal with 531 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 153.46.
Samson will be eager to put a strong knock in the fifth clash, which will keep him for the T20 World Cup 2026. If he fails, then the management may also think of putting Ishan Kishan at the opening position and bring Tilak Varma at three.
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