As the cricketing world celebrates Sanju Samson’s rousing comeback – hailed as the biggest redemption story of this World Cup in 20 years – Kerala was awash in a tide of pride and affection as social media was awash with reels and eulogies with uplifting soundtracks.
Celebrities and politicians were among those who hailed Sanju ‘Special’ Samson, the viral catchphrase coined by former cricketer-turned-commentator Ravi Shastri after the 31-year-old’s 97 that sealed India’s semi-final berth.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Mr. Samson’s performance as “inspirational for every Keralite” and noted that his consistency has become the backbone of India. “Sanju has proved to the world that talent combined with hard work can achieve any goal. Player of the tournament just adds luster to his achievements,” he wrote.
The chorus of admiration cut across political lines. Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan’s post simply read, “One more time Sanju Samson,” along with a picture of his follow-up with the word “Fifty” emblazoned on both sides.
CPI(M) leader and former health minister KK Shailaja cleverly linked her third half-century in the final against New Zealand to her side’s bid for a third consecutive term: “Certain continuities are there to ensure that the state does not lose,” she wrote, before congratulating India on lifting the trophy on the strength of Mr Samson’s performance.
Shashi Tharoor, celebrating his 70th birthday, found his joy doubled: “Another incredible performance, third match in a row, from my Thiruvananthapuram hero Sanju Samson. What more can one ask for,” he wrote.
Director and actor Basil Joseph joined the celebrations in his own unique way. He posted pictures from the scene of the final, proudly sporting Samson’s number 9 jersey.
The fans are ecstatic
Meanwhile, the Sanju Samson Fans Club, a Facebook group with 1.29 million members, became an outpouring of emotions. “Once Sanju retires, this World Cup will be remembered as the one that brought him back to world cricket,” wrote one fan. Another took a look at his former IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals and noted that they will cry while his new team Chennai Super Kings will laugh.
This is the story of a player who wasn’t even in the starting XI who broke Virat Kohli’s record to become India’s top scorer in the World Cup campaign, that too in just five innings, wrote another excited fan.
Published – March 9, 2026 8:33 PM IST
