The Indian cricket team has arrived in Trivandrum for the decisive fifth T20I against New Zealand, and the mood is light-hearted. Captain Suryakumar Yadav shared a hilarious moment with Sanju Samson at the airport, playfully telling cameramen, ‘Don’t disturb Cheta,’ as fans cheered for the Kerala star.
Team India touched down at Trivandrum International Airport on Saturday, ahead of the series-clinching match. Sanju Samson, hailing from Kerala, was greeted with resounding chants of his name as he stepped out alongside skipper SKY. Photographers rushed forward, but Suryakumar intervened with a cheeky warning, extending his hand to guide Samson through the crowd. The wicketkeeper-batter smiled broadly, clearly enjoying the camaraderie.
Known affectionately as ‘Cheta’ in team circles, Samson’s homecoming added extra buzz. SKY even asked him how it felt to be in ‘God’s Own Country,’ to which Samson replied it always feels great, but this visit is special. The BCCI-shared video of the exchange has exploded on social media, captivating fans with the team’s jovial spirit.
Despite the fun, Samson faces intense pressure. Selected for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the ongoing series as opener and keeper ahead of Shubman Gill, he has struggled badly, scoring just 10, 6, 0, and 24 in the first four games. A promising start in the fourth match ended in disappointment, fueling criticism over his form.
Trivandrum’s Greenfield Stadium is Samson’s backyard, and with India already sealing the series, selectors might offer one last chance. But failure here could jeopardize his World Cup dreams. As the team gears up, this light moment underscores the balance of fun and focus in high-stakes cricket.