IND vs BAN: Shashi Tharoor Honors Sanju Samson After Stellar Performance
In the final match of the three-match T20 series between India and Bangladesh on October 12 in Hyderabad, Sanju Samson delivered a stunning performance, scoring a blazing half-century and leading India to a remarkable victory by 133 runs. He achieved his maiden T20 century in just 40 balls, contributing significantly to India’s total of 297 runs.
Hero’s Welcome for Sanju Samson
After the T20 series concluded, Sanju Samson returned to his home state of Kerala, where he received a hero’s welcome. Thiruvananthapuram Congress MP Shashi Tharoor celebrated his return by inviting him to his home and honoring him with a traditional South Indian ‘ponada’ (shawl). Tharoor expressed his excitement on Twitter, stating, “Delighted to give a hero’s welcome to ‘ton-up Sanju’ as @IamSanjuSamson returned to Thiruvananthapuram after his stunning century versus Bangladesh. Found a ‘ponnada’ in the appropriate India colors to honor him with! #SanjuSamson”
Samson’s Journey and Achievements
Shashi Tharoor has been a long-time admirer of Sanju Samson, often advocating for his rightful place in the Indian team. In July, Samson expressed his frustration with the selection committee after being omitted from the squad for the Sri Lanka tour. The Rajasthan Royals captain was included in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 but did not get to play in any matches. Following that, he was given an opportunity for the Zimbabwe tour but was subsequently dropped from the Sri Lanka tour.
In the third and final T20I against Bangladesh at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Samson showcased his explosive batting skills, scoring 111 runs off just 47 balls, which included 8 sixes and 11 fours. His remarkable strike rate of 236.71 marked his innings as the second-fastest century for India in T20 International cricket.
Sanju Samson’s performance not only highlighted his talent but also reinforced his status as a key player for India moving forward.
