‘Local boy’ Samson and Oman’s sporting gift box

By K.R. Nayar
From Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium

“Local boy” Sanju Samson enthralled fans at the Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium, top-scoring with a knock of 56. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had jokingly called Samson the "local boy" after fans chanted Samson's name at a practice session in Dubai. Even during the first press conference that Yadav addressed, he was asked about Samson’s inclusion, and he said: “Don't worry about Sanju Samson, we will take care of it. We are actually taking really good care of him.” However, in the first two matches against UAE and Pakistan, Samson did not get a chance to bat.

Sanju Samson Fans Association poster on their Facebook

The last time he batted for India in a T20I was against England on February 2, 2025, which means he has endured a nearly seven-month wait. The last time he batted for India in an ODI was on December 21, 2023, when he cracked 108 against South Africa at Paarl. During the match, the Sanju Samson Fans Association put out a lovely poster highlighting all his achievements.

Imposition for captains?

 When funny things happen on the field, funnier remarks can be heard in the press box. It is a fact that journalists’ imagination can run wild. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Oman skipper Jatinder Singh made two changes to their teams, but they could remember only one name when commentator Ravi Shastri asked them about the changes they had made. One suggestion was that captains, from now on, should be made to memorize the names of their team players before going out for the toss.

India-Oman match toss and the commentator Ravi Shastri's queries that followed. Photo: ACC

“To avoid such an embarrassment, it would be ideal if they are made to repeat the names of the changes ten times before arriving for the toss,” quipped another. However, not sure what can be done if it happens like with former Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who once forgot his decision after winning the toss against New Zealand!

Handshake, embrace and a gift

If there was no handshake in India’s last match against Pakistan, in this match Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Oman skipper Jatinder Singh not only shook hands but also embraced each other. Oman is well known for its hospitality and sporting traditions. Singh even presented a gift box to Yadav during the toss. Incidentally, it is a custom with the Oman team to present a gift to their opponents even in junior cricket.

Former Oman pacer Rajesh Ranpura with Oman's traditional gift called Khanjar. Photo courtesy Rajesh Ranpura 

The gift is a Khanjar, which is a curved dagger. Former Oman fast bowler turned coach Rajesh Ranpura recalled how his team often presented it as a souvenir to their opponents during his playing days, and he has kept one for himself. This gift is a symbol of Omani heritage, status, and pride. Ranpura had played for Oman in the Asia Cup qualifier in Bangladesh in 2016 before becoming the coach of G Force Cricket Academy in Dubai.

Aamir Kaleem is an inspiration

 Oman's forty-three-year-old Aamir Kaleem became the oldest player to score 50-plus in T20 cricket after turning 40. In fact, he was 43 years and 330 days old when he hit a 64 against India, and will celebrate his 44th birthday with pride on November 20.

Aamir Kaleem celebrates his half century against India. Photo: ACC

When this reporter asked Oman skipper Jatinder Singh how proud he was of the team, especially about Aamir, and what is the spirit that drives him, Singh said: “I am extremely proud of the unit, which I have been saying from day one. Aamir is someone who is very energetic on the field whenever he turns up for training. He is a very disciplined guy, even though he is 40-plus. When he is on the field, he is really electrifying; he brings in great energy, and he is such a skillful guy. We are so grateful that he is part of the team.”

 Arshdeep Singh’s 100 wickets and yoga

Arshdeep Singh became the first Indian bowler to bag 100 wickets when he dismissed Oman’s Vinayak Shukla. He has taken only 64 T20Is to reach that figure. He had once remarked that yoga and meditation are two practices that have helped him focus and handle pressure situations. 

Arshdeep Singh during his IPL 2021 match in Dubai. Photo: IPL 

In another instance during the 2021 IPL in Dubai, when this reporter asked him about tips that had helped him, he jokingly said that top players may not enjoy his company as he keeps asking them too many questions to get as many tips as possible. He was only 22 years old then.