Don’t disturb Chetta: Suryakumar Yadav teases Sanju Samson on Trivandrum return; Watch video

Team India's arrival in Thiruvananthapuram on January 29 was marked by a surprisingly upbeat atmosphere, standing in stark contrast to the heavy media scrutiny currently following Sanju Samson.

Fans in splits as Suryakumar cracks 'Don’t Disturb Chetta’ Joke for Samson

Ahead of the final T20I against New Zealand, the squad appeared relaxed, with captain Suryakumar Yadav leading the camaraderie. The skipper took the opportunity to playfully tease the local favorite, ensuring the homecoming was marked by laughter rather than the weight of external expectations.

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In a video that quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), Suryakumar was captured jokingly clearing a path through the airport crowd. With a cheeky grin, he called out to the onlookers, "Please give way, do not disturb chetta," using the Malayalam term for "big brother" to refer to Samson. The lighthearted jibe clearly landed well, as Samson was seen beaming with a smile while navigating the enthusiastic reception from his hometown fans.

Watch the video:

Sanju Samson's dismal show with the bat

Throughout his international career, Samson has frequently been part of the traveling squad for matches held in Thiruvananthapuram, yet he has never actually stepped onto the field to play an international game in front of his home fans. This upcoming fixture represents a massive milestone for the Kerala cricketer. Playing at his home ground could provide the ideal emotional and competitive spark needed to overturn his recent slump as India prepares for the T20 World Cup.

The pressure on Samson has intensified since he reclaimed the opening slot from Shubman Gill, as he has struggled to post a half-century or consistently bat through the Powerplay. However, there were flashes of his trademark rhythm in the previous match at Visakhapatnam. His brisk 24 off 15 balls, though short-lived, suggested that he is beginning to time the ball better, offering a glimmer of hope just in time for the series finale.

As the team heads into the final game, the responsibility lies squarely on Samson to convert these starts into a match-winning performance. With India entering the T20 World Cup as defending champions, a big score at the Greenfield International Stadium would not only delight the local crowd but also silence the critics and solidify Samson's place in the tournament's starting XI.