IND vs NZ 2026: ‘Make way, don’t disturb Chetta’ - Suryakumar teases Samson ahead of final T20I in Thiruvananthapuram

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav hilariously teased wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson as the squad arrived in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the fifth and final T20I of the home series against New Zealand. The Men in Blue have already sealed the series with a 3-1 lead.

As Samson walked towards the airport exit, Suryakumar cheekily asked everyone not to disturb him, calling him ‘Chetta’ (elder brother in Malayalam), and to make way as Samson arrived in his hometown. Samson broke into a smile following Suryakumar’s

comments. Meanwhile, the upcoming fifth T20I will be India’s final match ahead of the crucial 2026 T20 World Cup campaign.

"Make way, make way, please. Don't disturb Chetta,” said Suryakumar.

CHETTAN LANDing ft. Captain SKY! 🤩🥳#WhistlePodu
📸: Sanju Samson FP pic.twitter.com/TtenKLSDj1

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 29, 2026

Samson received the selectors’ backing over Shubman Gill for the opener’s spot in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand and has also been backed for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, the talented wicketkeeper-batter has struggled to make the most of his opportunities so far. Samson has managed to score only 40 runs across four matches against the Kiwis, failing to deliver a significant contribution at the top of the order.

Given his current form, questions have begun to arise over whether the team management will continue to persist with Samson following consecutive failures. His struggles are not limited to the ongoing series, as he also endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, scoring 222 runs in 15 matches at an average of 20.18.

The fifth and final T20I of the series is scheduled to take place at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, January 31. Following the conclusion of the series, India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the United States of America at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7. They will then face Namibia on February 12 in Delhi, Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo, and the Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad.