Sanju Samson gifts wicketkeeping gloves to fan in the crowd after IND vs SA 2025 5th T20I [Watch]

Team India keeper-batter Sanju Samson came up with an adorable gesture towards a fan following the fifth T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad on Friday, December 19. The Kerala-born cricketer gifted his keeping gloves to a young fan as a video of the same was captured on social media.

The 31-year-old, who was recalled after Shubman Gill sustained a toe injury, showcased his potential with a quick-fire 37 off 22 deliveries to set the tone for India's win. The right-handed batter stitched a whirlwind 63-run stand in 5.3 overs with Abhishek Sharma as it helped the Men in Blue to eventually mount a total of 231/5. They were successful in defending it, winning by 30 runs to claim the series by a margin of 3-1.

Here's the video of the heartwarming moment:

Samson also affected a couple of dismissals from behind the wicket as India shut the doors on the Proteas, who at one stage threatened to chase down 232 to level the series.

Sanju Samson potentially locked in as opener for T20 World Cup 2026

Sanju Samson. (Image Credits: Getty)

Meanwhile, India selectors have zeroed in on the squad for the T20 World Cup squad and the five-game T20I series against New Zealand preceding that. Shubman Gill has been axed from the set-up after his poor returns at the top. Samson's outstanding run as an opener has him potentially locked in the spot for T20 World Cup 2026.

The 31-year-old has opened the innings on 18 occasions in T20I cricket and mustered 559 runs at 32.88 alongside a strike rate of 178.03. All of his three centuries in the format have also come while opening the innings. With both Abhishek and Samson capable of playing at higher strike-rates, the management will be keen to see them replicate it during the mega event.

The Men in Blue, who will play five T20Is against New Zealand, starting on January 21, will open their T20 World Cup campaign against USA on February 7. Apart from USA, India's group consists of Namibia, Netherlands and Pakistan.

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava