WATCH: 'Bhaukal hai Samson ka, local boy' - Suryakumar Yadav's stunning reaction after witnessing Sanju Samson's fans in Dubai

The Indian cricket team began their preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Saturday with their first practice session. While the squad is fine-tuning its combinations ahead of the tournament, Sanju Samson was the centre of attention outside the ICC Academy premises, drawing chants and cheers from his fans, drawing a stunning reaction from Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

The team arrived directly in Dubai on September 4, skipping a domestic preparatory camp. Under the watch of head coach Gautam Gambhir, the team has conducted multiple sessions at the ICC Academy, focusing on batting roles, bowling combinations, and wicketkeeping options. With the tournament set to begin on September 9, the Men in Blue begin their campaign against hosts UAE on September 10 before the marquee clash against Pakistan on September 14.

"Samson should be in Playing XI, even if he doesn't open"

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"Samson should be in Playing XI, even if he doesn't open"

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:

Jitesh Sharma to be preferred over 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.