Team India‘s splendid start in the limited-overs series against West Indies left fans ecstatic as they witnessed a commanding victory in the first ODI held in Bridgetown on Thursday. The Indian bowlers, particularly the dynamic spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, delivered a spectacular performance, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup and restricting them to a meager total of 114 runs.
Kuldeep showcased his brilliance with a mesmerizing four-wicket haul, conceding a mere six runs, while Jadeja added to the misery of the hosts with three crucial wickets. In response, India comfortably chased down the target in just 22.5 overs, securing a victory with five wickets in hand.
Also watch: Kuldeep Yadav’s spellbinding 4-wicket haul leaves West Indies stunned
Opener Ishan Kishan shone with the bat, top-scoring for the team with an impressive knock of 52 runs. However, amidst the enthralling match, keen-eyed fans noticed an unusual sight – Suryakumar Yadav was seen donning a jersey with the name and number of Sanju Samson on it. This unexpected appearance puzzled fans, leading to speculations about the reason behind this jersey mix-up.
The unique sight of Suryakumar sporting a jersey belonging to his fellow teammate sparked a series of reactions on Twitter. Fans and cricket enthusiasts shared their surprise and amusement over the incident, with many creating humorous memes and comments about the jersey swap.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Suryakumar Yadav batting at No.3 with Sanju Samson’s jersey. pic.twitter.com/jnqyvQCqbz
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 27, 2023
Suryakumar Yadav should be careful wearing Samson’s jersey. Might get dropped next game.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) July 27, 2023
Surya wearing the Jersey of Sanju Samson. pic.twitter.com/xTUTwrmyhk
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 27, 2023
Suryakumar Yadav is wearing Sanju Jersey 💙💙
What a Beautiful Bond of Sanju and Sky 😍 pic.twitter.com/yr0qCAeSN9— Harshit 2.0 🇮🇳 (@45thCenturyWhen) July 27, 2023
Suryakumar Yadav’s initiative to take stand for Sanju Samson was very great as Sanju is not getting proper chances in Indian team just because he is black.
You won in life SKY. ❤️#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Se7MN6TrVB
— satyam (@ffssatyam) July 27, 2023
#SanjuSamson #SuryakumarYadav#WIvsIND
When SuryaKumar yadav wears Sanju Samson’s Jersey and get’s out cheaply.
Le Samson:- pic.twitter.com/BifYDfqQ9t— Dr.Pradeep (@dr_pradeeeeeeep) July 27, 2023
Sanju Samson is not in playing 11 but his jersey is in the field. It is on SuryaKumar Yadav #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/ChFLqe817X
— Ajeet Kumar🇮🇳 (@ajeetkr03) July 27, 2023
What a gesture by Suryakumar Yadav. Heart-warming for Sanju Samson Fans. https://t.co/7dFUX091bJ
— Abhishek Ojha (@vicharabhio) July 27, 2023
Suryakumar Yadav wearing Sanju Samson Jersey
What A Nice Gesture! #INDvsWI #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/7FAsAFtbHS— Ankit Kunwar (@TheAnkitKunwar) July 27, 2023
Probably the only way we can see Samson on the field for India https://t.co/2EJqP718kE
— Rushil (@FPLRushil) July 27, 2023
Today Suryakumar Yadav played with Sanju Samson Jersey 🫡 pic.twitter.com/3FWzp2nmOO
— Mumbai Indians FC™ (@mumbaiindian_fc) July 27, 2023
Suryakumar Yadav played the first ODI against West Indies wearing the jersey of Sanju Samson. pic.twitter.com/Q9vOuLBe2K
— 🅒🅡🅘︎🅒︎🄲🅁🄰🅉🅈𝗠𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗨™ 🇮🇳❤️ (@MSDianMrigu) July 27, 2023
SuryaKumar yadav wearing sanju Samson’s jersey in first odi vs west indies.#sanjusamson #SuryaKumaryadav #BCCI pic.twitter.com/Ph5CLZDEa2
— Ritik Patel (@RitikPa98361891) July 27, 2023
The craze for Sanju Samson in the Indian team 🔥 https://t.co/cHMS9LJda7
— Lazy Guy (@kuzhi__madiyan) July 27, 2023
Sanju samson is playing in Suryakumar Yadav’s body! pic.twitter.com/XYlFgNbC1q
— Registanroyals (@registanroyals) July 27, 2023
Suryakumar Yadav is playing with Sanju Samson ‘s blessings 🥺 pic.twitter.com/elWEJy0s0D
— Ƥ (@Pallette_) July 27, 2023
SKY itself saying that Samson deserves https://t.co/3NA2Dg9MLV
— SIR. சுல்தான் 🔥 (@jillu_offl) July 27, 2023
Reason explained why Suryakumar Yadav wore Sanju Samson’s jersey
According to a BCCI source, the reason behind Suryakumar sporting Samson’s jersey during the first ODI was due to a size issue with his original jersey. The problem with the jersey’s fitting was communicated to the team two days before the match. As a result, a replacement jersey for Suryakumar was arranged, and it is expected to be delivered after the conclusion of the second ODI.
The source further clarified that the BCCI has shipped the new jerseys for the Indian team players, including Suryakumar, who has been selected for the upcoming T20 series.
“There was some size issue with his jersey. We were told about it two days before the game. He will be receiving his new jersey after the second ODI as the BCCI has shipped it with Indian team players selected for the T20 series. Till then he will be wearing his teammate jersey while playing,” a BCCI source said as quoted by Indian Express.
Also read: Rohit Sharma reveals why India changed their batting order in the first ODI against West Indies