Laughter echoed through Trivandrum Airport as India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav pulled off a fun stunt with teammate Sanju Samson. ‘Cheta ko disturb mat karo,’ SKY quipped to eager cameramen, shielding the local hero amid cheering crowds ahead of the fifth T20I against New Zealand.
The squad landed in Kerala’s capital for the final match of the series India has already won. Samson, a native son, drew massive applause from fans chanting his name. Walking side-by-side with Yadav, the duo faced a media frenzy. SKY’s protective gesture and witty remark, followed by Samson’s grin, captured a perfect slice of team bonding.
In the clip posted by BCCI on X, Yadav quizzes Samson about returning to ‘God’s Own Country.’ Samson shares that it’s always welcoming, but this trip holds extra significance. The video’s virality highlights how such moments boost morale during tours.
However, beneath the smiles lies Samson’s batting woes. Picked over Shubman Gill for the series and the 2026 T20 World Cup, his scores of 10, 6, 0, and 24 reflect a dismal run. Critics question his spot after squandering a solid platform in the last game.
Playing on home turf offers redemption potential. With the series secured, coaches may persist with him once more. Yet, another flop in this decider could spell the end of his opening role and World Cup aspirations. As fans pack the stadium, all eyes are on whether Samson can turn cheers into runs.