‘A real player’: PM Modi praises Sanju Samson’s heroics in T20 World Cup

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised Sanzhou Samsonhighlighted the batsman’s match-winning role during India’s 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory.Addressing the Karyakatas in Kerala, Modi pointed out that Samson’s performance under pressure was a lesson in focus and temperament. “The cricket season is going on today and this is something worth learning for the people of Kerala as well. As we often see with Sanju Samson’s performances, we saw Sanju Samson in the World Cup. “Modi said.Highlighting Samson’s rise in high-stakes moments, he added, “His performance suddenly peaked as the crunch of the tournament came and the knockout stages arrived. His focus, confidence and intensity continued to grow throughout.” This is what it means to be a real player. “Modi further highlighted Samson’s ability to deliver on his promises when it matters most. “He showed his best form when the team needed him most. This is the identity of a real player,” he said.Samson, who was named the player of the tournament, scored 321 runs in five innings with an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of nearly 200. His score included 27 fours and 24 sixes, making him the third highest scorer in the tournament. He also surpassed Virat Kohli’s record of 319 runs in the 2014 World Cup, which was the highest score by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup.After a lackluster start, Samson turned things around with an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in the virtual elimination match, followed by back-to-back 89s against England in the semi-finals and New Zealand in the final.India completed a historic title defense with a 96-run win over New Zealand, making them the first team to win three T20 World Cup titles and the first team to win it on home soil.