Cricket’s glamour extends beyond the boundary, as proven by Suryakumar Yadav’s rib-tickling airport antics with Sanju Samson in Trivandrum. Yelling ‘Cheta ko disturb mat karo’ at hovering cameras, SKY ensured his teammate’s smooth passage through adoring fans before the New Zealand T20I decider.
India’s squad jetted into the Kerala hub Saturday, series already pocketed. Local lad Samson sparked frenzy with name-slogans filling the air. Striding with Yadav, the pair met a press pack; the captain’s jovial shove and quip, met with Samson’s laughter, pure gold.
The BCCI X video captures Yadav probing Samson’s homecoming feels in ‘God’s Own Country’ – always amazing, uniquely so this time. Rapid shares underline public love for such unscripted joy.
Form shadows the festivities for Samson. Elevated over Shubman Gill into the XI and 2026 T20 World Cup squad as opener-keeper, he’s managed paltry 10, 6, 0, 24. Throwing away a strong base last match invited backlash.
Trivandrum familiarity could prompt one final shot, series pressure off. Triumph here cements futures; blank otherwise risks sidelining for World Cup. Amid stakes, Yadav’s jest injects levity, priming the team for glory.