IND vs NZ: Team India have touched down in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand, with the spotlight firmly on Kerala's
favourite son, Sanju Samson. As the series shifts to the southern coast, anticipation has surged among local fans eager to see their star perform on home turf.
The Indian squad arrived in the city on Thursday, and their arrival was marked by a memorable and light-hearted moment involving captain Suryakumar Yadav and Samson. As the players walked out of the airport, Surya was seen clearing the way for the wicketkeeper-batter amid the crowd.
In a playful tone, he quipped, "Don't disturb Chetta. Make way for him," drawing smiles from those around. Samson, clearly enjoying the moment and the warmth of the reception, responded with a wide grin, reflecting the bond within the team and the affection he commands in Kerala.
Make way for @IamSanjuSamson in ππΌπ±'π πΌππ» π°πΌππ»ππΏπ π
- BCCI (@BCCI) January 30, 2026
π₯ Don't miss this banter between friends Sanju Samson and Captain Surya Kumar Yadav π#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFirstBank | @surya_14kumar pic.twitter.com/zBAFPmZJGk
While the moment was humorous, the upcoming match holds significance for Samson on a personal level. The right-hander has endured a relatively quiet series so far, failing to make a major impact with the bat. The home conditions, however, present him with an ideal opportunity to rediscover his rhythm and deliver a performance in front of his passionate supporters.
From a team perspective, India have already secured the series with a 3-1 lead, but the final match offers a chance to finish the campaign on a strong note. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, every game remains crucial for fine-tuning combinations and building momentum.
As Thiruvananthapuram prepares to host the series finale, the atmosphere promises to be electric. For Samson, it is more than just another match-it is a chance to turn admiration into runs and make his homecoming truly memorable. For India, it is an opportunity to cap off the series with confidence and purpose.
