Team India opening batsman Sanju Samson will reportedly be given a grand welcome in Thiruvananthapuram after playing a key role during the T20 World Cup 2026. The star wicketkeeper-batsman was named Player of the Tournament after a sensational match-winning performance.
The 31-year-old batsman finished as the third-highest run-scorer of the tournament. He scored 321 runs at an incredible strike rate of 199.37 in just five innings. Despite missing the opening matches, he helped India seal a 96-run win over New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Kerala government plans hero’s welcome for Sanju Samson
According to a PTI report, the Kerala government is organizing a big hero’s welcome for Sanju Samson, a resident of the coastal town of Vizhinjam.
General Education and Labor Minister V Sivankutty on Monday confirmed that the state will host a grand reception in the capital city to honor his tremendous international achievements.
Although the authorities have not announced the exact date of the grand event, the minister said that Samson has brought great pride to the people of Kerala. His remarkable transformation on the global stage has won the hearts of millions and his homecoming will be celebrated.
Sanju Samson’s challenging journey to become the best player of the tournament
Samson’s journey to becoming the Player of the Tournament was challenging. Earlier this year, he was dropped from the playing eleven after a poor bilateral series against New Zealand. Despite being part of the 2024 winning squad, he had not played a single World Cup match before this edition.
Before the Super Eights, the batsman had played only one group-stage match. Samson played a quick inning of 22 runs in just eight balls against Namibia when Abhishek Sharma had a stomach infection. He showed a glimpse of his fearless and aggressive intentions.
During the Super Eight stage, after India suffered a 76-run defeat to South Africa, Samson returned to the team under immense pressure and played a key role in turning the campaign around. He played a brilliant inning of 97 not out while chasing the target of 196 runs against West Indies.
Out of words, going through emotions – Sanju Samson
The aggressive opening batsman played a stormy innings of 89 runs against England in the crucial semi-final. After this he scored 89 runs in 46 balls against New Zealand in the final. The batsman laid the right foundation for India’s record-breaking total of 255 runs.
Speaking about his comeback after lifting the coveted trophy, Samson shared his perspective on the real championship experience with the broadcast presenters.
“It feels like a dream. So happy, so grateful. Beyond words, going through the emotions. Feels a little surreal.”
Samson will next be seen in action during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The right-handed batsman will play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the first time. He was traded to inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the mini auction.
Also read: Arshdeep Singh asks for reel from Rohit Sharma after T20 WC win; Indian captain refused (watch video)