Suryakumar Yadav Confirms Sanju Samson's Inclusion, Eliciting Roar from Thiruvananthapuram Crowd
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav delighted the home crowd in Thiruvananthapuram by confirming the inclusion of local star Sanju Samson in the playing XI for the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand. Winning the toss, Suryakumar opted to bat first, but not before addressing the packed Greenfield International Stadium and assuring fans that their favorite player would feature in the series finale.
This announcement was met with loud cheers, underscoring the significance of the match as an emotional homecoming for Samson, who has struggled for form recently. Despite the pressure, the team management has continued to back the wicketkeeper-batter. The match serves as India's final international outing before the T20 World Cup 2026, making every performance crucial for securing momentum.
Samson's inclusion alongside returning players Ishan Kishan and Axar Patel suggests India is using this final fixture to test combinations and ensure all key players get match time ahead of the marquee tournament.
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“We are going to bat first. We were here last night, there was a lot of dew and we want to test ourselves. The groundsman says it is going to be true for 40 overs. Axar comes back, Ishan comes back and one more. Don't worry Thiruvananthapuram, Sanju Samson is playing tonight.”
Suryakumar Yadav, India captain
- Player
- Sanju Samson
- Specialization
- Wicketkeeper
- Team
- CSK
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Related Statistics
All-Time IPL Run Scorers
The greatest run-scorers in IPL history across all seasons
| Select | Rank | Player | Team | run-scorers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Chennai Super Kings | 5439 runs | ||
| #2 | Chennai Super Kings | 4704 runs | ||
#3 | Chennai Super Kings | 2502 runs | ||
| #4 | Chennai Super Kings | 1859 runs | ||
| #5 | Chennai Super Kings | 16 runs |
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| Statistic |
|---|
IPL Career Leading Wicket Takers Leaders | Bowling Rankings Led by Yuzvendra Chahal (221 wickets) |
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More on Sanju Samson
Robin Uthappa Urges India to 'Stick With' Sanju Samson, Cites Selection Pressure as Key Issue
Yes, he has got the opportunities and not performed in them. But there has also always been a sword over his head that if he doesn't perform, there is someone waiting for his spot. There has never been a time where he just goes and bats.
India Batting Coach Sitanshu Kotak Affirms Strong Belief in Sanju Samson Amidst Lean Patch
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak affirmed strong belief in Sanju Samson despite a recent dip in form, emphasizing it's a temporary phase.
Suresh Raina Backs Sanju Samson, Compares Rajasthan Royals Captain's Journey to Suryakumar Yadav's Rise
He hasn't scored runs in almost one year. But still, the captain and coach were backing him... I think it's the same story with Sanju. If he gets a chance, he'll definitely do well.
“We are going to bat first. We were here last night, there was a lot of dew and we want to test ourselves. The groundsman says it is going to be true for 40 overs. Axar comes back, Ishan comes back and one more. Don't worry Thiruvananthapuram, Sanju Samson is playing tonight.”
Suryakumar Yadav, India captain
- Player
- Sanju Samson
- Specialization
- Wicketkeeper
- Team
- CSK
- Analyze
- Analyze Performance
- Team
- Team Performance