Samson and Chakaravarthy Play Pen Fight on India Team Bus
Sanju Samson beat Varun Chakaravarthy at a classroom pen-flicking game on the team bus after India’s rain-hit first T20I against England was abandoned.
By SportCricket Desk · 3 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Sanju Samson and Varun Chakaravarthy filled time on the India team bus with a schoolyard favourite, pen fight, during the England T20I series.
In the game, players take turns flicking pens across a flat surface and try to knock their opponent’s pen off the edge. Samson went first. Chakaravarthy then accidentally sent his own pen off the table while aiming at his team-mate’s. On his next turn Samson flicked cleanly and knocked Chakaravarthy’s pen off in one attempt to win.
After a washout
The moment came after the first T20I of the five-match series was lost to rain. India won the toss and made 189/7 in their 20 overs, but persistent rain stopped England’s innings from starting and the match was abandoned. The series remains level, and the second T20I is in Manchester on Saturday, July 4.
Chakaravarthy back after injury
Chakaravarthy rejoined the squad after missing the Ireland T20Is with a left foot injury picked up during IPL 2026. He finished his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and was in the XI for the first England match, though he did not bowl because of the abandonment.
He has not previously played a T20I in England but has a strong record against them: 15 wickets in seven matches at an average of 13.46.
