Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram? Chepauk gives rousing reception to 'Chettan' Sanju

CHENNAI: During the start of this month, the Greenfield Stadium trembled in applause when captain Suryakumar Yadav announced that Sanju Samson would be playing at his home ground in Thiruvananthapuram. Chepauk Stadium in Chennai recreated the same emotions as the crowd cheered when the captain announced during the toss that Sanju Samson would be in the team instead of Rinku Singh.

This was Sanju’s first match at Chepauk Stadium since moving from Rajasthan to Chennai in the IPL. Although he was dismissed for 24 runs off 15 balls, the Malayali player gave India a flying start. His innings included two sixes and a boundary. Blessing Muzarabani’s short-pitched ball over deep mid-wicket baited Sanju to attempt a six while at the back foot. This attempt stumbled, forcing the Keralite to return to the pavilion.

Sanju opened his account in Chennai by hitting Richard Garawa for a six in the first over. However, Sanju's tendency to go on the backfoot unnecessarily paid a huge price.