Live Score
Cricket Teams
Cricket PlayersTough IPL run, but Sanju Samson delivers off field, gifts ₹40K phone to fan in surprise Kerala encounter
A roadside encounter turned into a memorable moment when Sanju Samson gifted a fan a brand-new smartphone, reportedly worth around ₹40,000
Even as runs have dried up for Sanju Samson in the Indian Premier League 2026, the Chennai Super Kings batter has won hearts off the field with a touching gesture in Kerala.
A roadside encounter turned into a memorable moment when Samson gifted a fan a brand-new smartphone, reportedly worth around ₹40,000. The incident took place near Punchappadam School on the Mundur–Thootha road in Palakkad, as per reports.
Samson was travelling from Kozhikode to Coimbatore and had briefly stopped his car around 5:15 pm to take a phone call. At the same time, Shabareesh, a cable technician from Katampazhippuram, along with his friend Manikandan, was heading to a nearby ground in Mangalankunnu to play cricket when they noticed a familiar face inside a parked vehicle.
The duo turned back and realised it was Samson. The cricketer, who was on a video call, gestured for them to wait. After finishing the call, he interacted warmly with them, asking about their well-being and even offering to click a picture.
Shabareesh took a selfie using his phone, which had a damaged display. Noticing this, Samson opened the back of his car and handed him a new smartphone. After a brief chat, the cricketer resumed his journey, leaving the fan and his friends pleasantly surprised by the unexpected act of kindness.
The heartwarming moment comes at a time when Samson has been struggling with the bat. Despite playing a key role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph recently, he has failed to replicate that form in the IPL. In his first three matches for Chennai Super Kings this season, the wicketkeeper-batter has managed scores of just 6, 7, and 9.
His dip in form has mirrored CSK’s difficult start to the campaign, with the five-time champions yet to register a win after three consecutive losses.
Fans have praised Samson’s off-field gesture, even as questions remain over his on-field performances — a reminder that players can leave a lasting impact beyond the game.
