Sanju Samson fans installed a massive 40-foot cutout near Greenfield Stadium in Trivandrum ahead of the fifth T20I against New Zealand.
Sanju Samson will receive a grand welcome in Thiruvananthapuram, with fans installing a 40-foot cutout near the Greenfield International Stadium. The tribute marks his return home for the fifth T20I against New Zealand on Saturday. This was organised by the Sanju Samson Fans Association, a registered group involved in fan activities and charitable initiatives.
The cutout features Samson’s celebration from the first T20I against South Africa at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on November 8, 2024, where he scored a century. Supporters had earlier put up a similar installation before IPL 2024.
Organisers said the gesture reflects admiration for Samson’s humility and achievements. Fans hope for a strong performance but stressed their support remains constant regardless of the result.
“We are all excited because Sanju is going to play in the Indian jersey here in Trivandrum. It’s something very special for us. When we suggested putting this cutout to our members, everyone was happy to contribute. As always, our members showed their love. Some gave ₹100, some ₹150, ₹200, ₹500, ₹5,000, and even ₹10,000. It’s our tribute, our gift of love to our pride, Sanju Samson, straight from our hearts,” Liju Joseph, the president of SSFA, told News18 CricketNext.
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“We are very excited, and we hope Sanju scores big today. But no matter what, whether he scores or not, we are always with Sanju. His runs are just an added bonus for us,” he added.
The home match arrives at a crucial stage for Samson, who has yet to score in four games this series. He remains part of India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad. However, another low return could see in-form Ishan Kishan preferred as opener for the tournament opener against the USA next week.
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