The Chetta Phenomenon: Sanju Samson, Kerala’s Cricket Icon and His Nationwide Fanfare

In a move that has surprised many, the Rajasthan Royals, more than 2,000 kilometers away from their home ground in Jaipur, have set up their pre-IPL 2024 camp in the lush green district of Malappuram, Kerala. This strategic decision, however, is more than just a change of scenery; it is a testament to the enduring and passionate support for the team’s enigmatic captain, Sanju Samson.

God-like stature

Sanju Samson, affectionately called ‘Chetta’ (brother) by his fans, has become a figure of worship in Kerala. In Malappuram, a towering cut-out of the cricket icon was erected, courtesy of the collaborative efforts of the Jolly Rovers Perinthelmanna Club and the influential Sanju Samson Fans Association (SSFA). Murukesh Rajan, the founder of SSFA, has mobilized this admiration into a formal entity recognized under The Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific And Charitable Societies Registration Act, reflecting just how ingrained Samson is in the local culture.

The roots of Samson’s relationship with Kerala run deep. When he was selected for Kerala’s Under-13 team back in 2008, his father, Samson Viswanath, displayed the ultimate act of faith by relinquishing his police constable post in Delhi to support his son’s burgeoning career. It is this kind of sacrifice that has fueled Samson’s journey to stardom and inspired a state.

Kerala’s love affair with sports is well-documented, and Samson’s success has resonated powerfully. He is not merely a cricketer to the local population; he is a beloved son, a symbol of pride for the state. Such is his influence that social media becomes aflame with hashtags like #JusticeforSanjuSamson when he is overlooked for national selection—a demonstration of a populous unwilling to be silent in the face of their hero’s absence.

Local hero, globally adored

Beyond his skill with the bat, it’s Samson’s ability to transcend language and cultural barriers that have endeared him to fans across the globe. From Ireland to Australia, from the UAE and beyond, his popularity has soared. Samson’s endearing persona and his understanding of different regions and cultures have transcended cricket, embedding him in the hearts of fans worldwide.

No one knows this better than Samson himself, who from a young age knew he had to stand out to wear the blue jersey of India. His aggressive and intentful playing style, which has become a hallmark of his on-field persona, was shaped by this recognition that to represent a cricket-crazy nation like India, one must be exceptional.

As Rajasthan Royals adapt to the humid conditions of Kerala, they will do so amidst a fanfare that only a few players can command. Sanju Samson is more than a captain; he is an icon, a binder of communities, and a testament to the power of dreaming big and the perseverance that typifies Kerala’s spirit. The sound of his fans chanting ‘Sanju Chetta’ at Kerala’s own ground epitomizes a phenomenon that transcends the sport—a phenomenon that is unmistakably the Chetta Phenomenon.