Sanju Samson in Trivandrum: Kerala's 'Mone' in India Blue seeks Imperative Redemption

As the sun sets over the lush greens of the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, a palpable buzz electrifies the air.

India faces New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I of their series,

a match that, on paper, is a dead rubber with India already leading comfortably. But for one man, it's anything but insignificant. Sanju Samson, the prodigal son of Kerala cricket, is set to don the Indian blues on his home turf for the very first time in an international fixture.

The Trivandrum crowd, known for their fervent passion, awaits their local hero's roar. With the T20 World Cup looming just days away, starting February 7, this could be Samson's defining moment - now or never.

Born and raised in Vizhinjam, a coastal taluk outside of Thiruvananthapuram, Samson's journey to the pinnacle of Indian cricket is a tale of raw talent meeting relentless grit. Emerging from a city not traditionally known as a cricketing powerhouse, he defied odds early on.

Sanju Samson seeks Redemption in Trivandrum

Samson, after a series of close calls, have finally cemented his place as India's first-choice wicketkeeper in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Yet, the narrative around Samson often circles back to his struggles with consistency. In 47 T20I innings, he's been dismissed within the first 10 balls a staggering 25 times, averaging just 17.87 in that phase. This series against New Zealand has been a microcosm of his career: low scores in the first four games, including a 24 off 15 in Visakhapatnam, where he looked subdued against spin.

He has been low in runs in the New Zealand series, scoring 10,6,0 and 24 respectively. With the other players scoring in leaps and bounds, this is Sanju's last resort to bank a chunkable number in his favour. With Ishan Kishan vying for the same wicketkeeper-batter spot and likely to feature if cleared by physios, the pressure is mounting. India's batting coach has emphasised building an aggressive yet balanced unit for the World Cup, and Samson's spot hangs in the balance.

The homecoming adds an emotional layer. Arriving in Thiruvananthapuram, Samson was playfully teased by captain Suryakumar Yadav, lightening the mood. The India star went to his home in Vizhinjam to stay with his parents. On the eve of the match, he spent quality time in the nets at Greenfield Stadium, fine-tuning his game under the watchful eyes of local media.

Kerala's prodigal son has also returned to his abode for the first time since playing in the Kerala Cricket League, where he represented the Kochi Blue Tigers.

A first in Trivandrum in India colours for Sanju Samson

For the Trivandrum faithful, this is more than a game; it's a celebration of one of their own. Samson has never played an international here, making this debut a symbolic milestone for the city that nurtured him. Fans from across Kerala are expected to pack the stands, chanting for the man who put their state on the cricketing map. 'Nammude Mone' (Our dear), as he is often called, has a litmus test ahead of him.

Although it seems a baptism of fire with his recent form, Saturday's Greenfield may turn a new chapter in the journey of Sanju Samson. This may well be the kickstart in front of the home crowd that may propel Sanju to star in the World Cup. But it all remains an if, as of now.

As India eyes a 4-1 series win, all spotlights converge on Samson. With the World Cup imminent, an explosive knock could silence critics and secure his berth in the starting lineup. He's shown he can dominate. But in front of his adoring home crowd, Samson needs to roar like never before. It's now or never for the Kerala lion to claim his throne.