Palakkad: Tuesday turned out to be a dream day for Shabareesh of Thiruthinmel, near the Vayilyamkunnu temple in Katampazhippuram. It was not just a chance to meet Sanju Samson in person and take a selfie, but also a day when he received a brand-new phone as gift from the cricketer himself.

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Sanju had stopped his car near Punchappadam School on the Mundur–Thootha road while traveling from Kozhikode to Coimbatore to make a phone call. Around 5:15 pm, Shabareesh, a cable technician, along with his friend Manikandan, was on his way by bike to a ground in Mangalankunnu to play cricket. When they reached Punchappadam, they noticed someone sitting in a car making a call and felt the person looked familiar.

To clear their doubt, they turned back and approached the car, only to find Sanju on a video call. As they came closer, he gestured for them to wait. After finishing the call, Sanju spoke to them and asked about their well-being. He also asked if they wanted to take a photo. Shabareesh agreed and took a selfie using his own phone, which had a damaged display.

Noticing the broken display, Sanju opened the back of his car and gifted him a brand-new phone worth around ₹40,000, Shabareesh said. After a brief chat, Sanju continued his journey. Shabareesh and his friends have been in disbelief ever since.