Cricketer Sanju Samson nails 'Pehla Nasha' in karaoke session with coach Abhishek Nayar ahead of T20I series. Watch viral video

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a highly anticipated five-match T20I series against England, with the first match scheduled at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on January 22. With Suryakumar Yadav at the helm, India aims to maintain its dominance in T20 internationals against a formidable England side. Among the players attracting attention is Sanju Samson, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter. Despite missing out on a spot in India's Champions Trophy squad, Samson remains a crucial figure in the T20I lineup.

The star cricketer, often in the spotlight due to controversies over his selection, is finding joy in the little things. A recent video shared on social media captured him in a lighthearted moment with India’s assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar. The duo was seen performing a karaoke version of the classic Bollywood hit ‘Pehla Nasha’ from the 1991 film Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar at a Kolkata hotel.

Viral Video Captures Fun Team Moment

The video, which shows Samson holding the smartphone with lyrics, while Nayar sings passionately into the microphone, quickly went viral. The video has garnered over a hundred thousand views, spreading smiles across social media. It’s a refreshing sight, especially before the team embarks on an intense series.


Samson’s vocal performance has even sparked playful banter on Instagram with his teammates. In a post sharing the karaoke moment, Samson cheekily asked if he should consider a career in Bollywood, writing in multiple languages, “Nothing is impossible. Njan paadi (I sang). Mein Mumbai aa sakta hu (Can I come to Mumbai?)”

Suryakumar Yadav responded humorously, urging Samson to focus on the T20I series before pursuing his potential Bollywood debut. “Aap Mumbai aa rahe hai lekin Chennai, Rajkot, Pune audition ke baad (You’re coming to Mumbai, but after auditions in Chennai, Rajkot, and Pune),” he commented, referencing the locations of the upcoming matches in the series.

The first match in Kolkata marks the start of a packed schedule for India, with subsequent games scheduled in Chennai, Rajkot, and Pune. The series will conclude on February 2 with the final match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

Samson's Controversy and Strong Form

Despite the ongoing drama surrounding his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad, where some criticized the BCCI for not selecting him, Samson continues to shine in the T20I format. His exclusion from the Champions Trophy was linked to his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but he remains an essential part of India's T20I plans. Samson’s recent performances have been stellar, as he scored 436 runs from 13 T20I matches in 2024, including three centuries, showcasing his explosive batting prowess.

Although Samson was excluded from the Champions Trophy lineup, he was picked as the first-choice wicketkeeper for the T20I series against England, a testament to his importance in the T20 setup. His form has been consistent, highlighted by his spectacular performances in the T20I series in South Africa, where he hit three centuries in just five matches.

The Indian team, having arrived in Kolkata over the weekend, is preparing for the series with a three-day training camp at Eden Gardens.

India’s Squad for the T20I Series

India’s T20I squad for the series includes Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, and Dhruv Jurel.

As the team prepares to face England in the first T20I, fans are eager to see how Samson continues to shine in the shorter format, both on and off the field.