Sanju Samson’s return to his hometown of Thiruvananthapuram has turned into a celebration of rare scale and emotion, with fans unveiling a towering 40-foot cutout of the Indian batter outside the Greenfield International Stadium ahead of the fifth T20I against New Zealand. The tribute, organised by the Sanju Samson Fans Association (SSFA), reflects the deep connection the wicketkeeper-batter shares with Kerala’s cricket-loving community.
The massive cutout captures a memorable moment from the first T20I between India and South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, in November 2024, where Samson celebrated his maiden T20I century with a trademark biceps flex. For local supporters, the image symbolises both pride and belief in a player who has carried Kerala’s cricketing hopes for over a decade.
This isn’t the first time Samson’s fans have gone big. Similar cutouts were erected ahead of IPL 2024, a gesture more commonly associated with football superstars in the state. In a region where cricketing icons have been few and far between, Samson’s rise has made him a cultural figure. Apart from Sreesanth, Kerala hasn’t produced many long-serving international cricketers, and Samson’s grounded personality has only strengthened his bond with fans.
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What makes this moment even more special is the setting. The fifth T20I marks Samson’s first international appearance in Thiruvananthapuram, turning the match into a personal milestone.
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According to SSFA president Liju Joseph, the fan group pooled resources to fund the tribute, with contributions ranging from small donations to larger amounts. For the association, the cutout is less about spectacle and more about showing unconditional support.
The timing, however, adds another layer to the story. Samson enters the game under pressure after a string of low scores in the series, with competition for places heating up ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. The rise of Ishan Kishan has intensified the battle at the top of the order, making every innings count.
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Yet, for fans in Thiruvananthapuram, results are secondary. Their message is simple: Samson is their own, and their support doesn’t hinge on numbers alone. Whether he fires or falls short, the home crowd will be firmly behind him on a night that blends cricket, emotion and hometown pride.
