On Saturday, the Indian cricket team held its first practice session ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. While the squad is fine-tuning its combinations for the event, Sanju Samson was the focus of attention outside the ICC Academy, prompting screams and cheers from his fans and eliciting a stunning reaction from Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.
On September 4, the team arrived in Dubai without first attending a domestic preparatory camp. The squad has held many sessions at the ICC Academy under the supervision of head coach Gautam Gambhir, with an emphasis on batting roles, bowling combinations, and wicketkeeping alternatives. The tournament begins on September 9, and the Men in Blue face the hosts UAE on September 10, followed by the showpiece matchup versus Pakistan on September 14.
Following one of India’s practice sessions, Suryakumar, Samson, and Rinku Singh were seen walking towards the team bus when a large group of supporters gathered to greet them. In the video, which has now gone viral witnessed chants of Samson as fans asked for autographs and selfies from the Kerala batter. Suryakumar, visibly stunned by the crowd’s love for the wicket-keeper batter, said, “Bhaukal hai Samson ka, local boy.” Following this, Samson acknowledged their love, obliged by giving autographs and posing for pictures.
Watch the video below:
😂📸 | Gill’s face when the crowd goes
“SAAAM-SOOON! SAAAM-SOOON!”
Crowd love hits different when it’s for Sanju 💙👑#SanjuSamson #Gill #IndianCricket #FanLove pic.twitter.com/nl2Iuk96Zz
— CRICKET CULTURE (@CRICCULTURE09) September 7, 2025
Jitesh Sharma to be preferred over Sanju Samson
Notably, the Kerala batter’s place in the starting XI is doubtful. With Shubman Gill returning to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, the wicketkeeping slot has become a direct contest between Samson and Jitesh Sharma. The 31-year-old Jitesh, who had an impressive IPL 2025 with his finishing abilities for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has been backed in training sessions, often batting under Gambhir’s supervision. According to reports, observations from India’s nets suggest that Jitesh may be preferred in the middle-order finisher’s role, sidelining Samson despite his recent purple patch.
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