SKY’s playful banter with Sanju Samson lights up India’s arrival in Thiruvananthapuram as players offer prayers at Padmanabhanswamy Temple

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav brought a touch of humour to the team’s arrival in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday morning, playfully teasing Sanju Samson as the squad landed in the Kerala capital ahead of the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand.

With Samson returning to his home ground, a large number of fans gathered at the airport to catch a glimpse of the local star. Amid the excitement, Suryakumar ensured the focus remained firmly on his teammate, engaging in a light-hearted exchange that quickly caught attention. As the duo made their way through the crowd, the Indian skipper jokingly urged fans and security personnel to step aside, saying, “Make way, please, don’t disturb Chetta. No photos”, leaving those around smiling, according to a video posted by BCCI on X.

Make way for @IamSanjuSamson in 𝗚𝗼𝗱’𝘀 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆

Don’t miss this banter between friends Sanju Samson and Captain Surya Kumar Yadav #TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFirstBank | @surya_14kumar pic.twitter.com/zBAFPmZJGk

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 30, 2026

The banter continued as Suryakumar asked Samson how it felt after “landing in God’s own country.” The wicketkeeper-batter replied with a smile, “Feeling great, feels always great, but this time it is very special,” reflecting the emotional significance of featuring in an international match at his home venue.

India will take on New Zealand in the fifth T20I of the series at the Greenfield International Stadium on Saturday, January 31. The match is expected to draw a packed crowd, with fans eager to cheer for Samson and the Indian side as the series concludes.

#WATCH | Kerala: The Indian cricket team, which recently arrived in Thiruvananthapuram, is offering darshan at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. pic.twitter.com/87NPkHYzxT

— ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2026

After the arrival, members of the Indian team visited Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram to offer prayers. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, fielding coach T Dilip, along with other support staff, were present during the visit.

Security was heightened at the temple premises, with police personnel deployed to manage the arrangements. Temple officials also interacted with the players and posed for photographs. India have already won the series with three wins in the first three matches and will try to finish the series with another victory before they start their campaign for the home World Cup starting 7 February. (ANI)