![[WATCH] Sanju Samson Gets Hero’s Welcome At His College During ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour](https://cricfit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250820_121830.jpg "[WATCH] Sanju Samson Gets Hero’s Welcome At His College During ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour")
Students turned out in large numbers to show their support for Indian cricketer Sanju Samson as the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy tour made a stop at his alma mater, Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, ahead of the fifth T20I against New Zealand.
The prestigious trophy was put on display at the college campus, drawing enthusiastic reactions from the students. The fifth T20I between India and New Zealand is scheduled to be played on Saturday, January 31, at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is set to get underway on February 7. Sanju Samson, a former student of Mar Ivanios College, was warmly welcomed as students cheered and chanted his name during the trophy tour.
They further expressed their admiration by writing good-luck messages on sticky notes and arranging them on a wall to spell out his name.
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Sanju Samson has been named in India’s 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, with the defending champions set to open their campaign against the USA on February 7.
Fifth T20I Set To Be Pivotal For Sanju Samson
Meanwhile, the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand shapes up to be a decisive game for Sanju Samson. The opener finds himself under mounting pressure after enduring a disappointing series so far. Across four matches, Samson has scored only 40 runs, averaging 10.00 with a strike rate of 142.85.
As a result, the upcoming contest could prove pivotal for him ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. A meaningful contribution will be crucial if he is to remain in contention for a place in India’s playing XI for the marquee tournament.
In contrast, fellow wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has enjoyed an impressive series, piling up 112 runs in three outings at an average of 37.33 and a blistering strike rate of 224. His strong performances have significantly intensified the competition for a spot in the XI.
It also remains to be seen whether the team management will persist with Samson in the fifth T20I or opt for Kishan instead. With Tilak Varma also expected to be fully fit in time for the T20 World Cup, the battle for places has further heightened the pressure on Samson to hold on to his spot.
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