During a recent episode of the television show “Family Full House,” Indian captain Rohit Sharma switched to Malayalam, asking a contestant “Sughamano?” meaning “How are you?” The brief exchange quickly turned into a tribute to his Kerala teammate.
After the contestant replied “Sughamanu,” Sharma turned to the studio audience and joked that he was surrounded by many “Chettas,” but singled out one as his favourite. He said, “My favourite Chetta is in New Zealand,” a clear nod to Sanju Samson, who was playing the T20I series in New Zealand at the time.
In Malayalam, “Chetta” is an affectionate term for an elder brother or respected elder.
Sanju Samson, a native of Kerala, is commonly addressed as “Chetta” by fellow Indian players. The audience responded with applause, appreciating the camaraderie displayed on‑screen.
The clip emerged while Rohit himself is also in New Zealand, representing India in the ongoing ODI series. Although the exact recording date of the episode is not disclosed, the timing aligns with Samson’s presence in New Zealand for the T20I matches.
Samson recently celebrated his 32nd birthday on 11 November, adding a personal touch to the moment. Fans of the Kerala cricketer welcomed the public acknowledgment from the national captain.
The friendly banter echoes a deeper bond forged during the 2026 T20 World Cup. At that tournament, Rohit encouraged a struggling Samson, telling him not to lose heart and that opportunities could arise at any moment.
Samson’s subsequent performances – unbeaten 97 against the West Indies, 89 in the semi‑final versus England, and another 89 in the final against New Zealand – helped India clinch the title, earning him Player of the Tournament.
Rohit later reflected that he understood Samson’s challenges, having faced similar setbacks in his own career. Months later, the Malayalam greeting serves as a reminder of their ongoing friendship.
For supporters of Sanju Samson, the moment provided another feel‑good highlight, reinforcing the affection between the two cricketers.
