‘Watched final from hospital room; the greatest gift I’ve ever received,’ says Sanju’s mother

Thiruvananthapuram: It was a homecoming fit for a king as Sanju Samson, now a certified national hero, returned to his roots. Despite his arrival on Monday evening being unannounced, the airport erupted into a sea of fans and government representatives, all gathered to catch a glimpse of the man who played a pivotal role in India’s World Cup triumph. Accompanied by his wife, Charulatha, a visibly moved Sanju thanked his fellow Malayalis for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

The victory held a deeply personal relevance for his mother Liji. Currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital, she watched the high-stakes final from her hospital bed. "This World Cup win is the greatest gift my son could ever give me," she said, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of her son's career.

"Like everyone else in the country, I am overjoyed. Cricket, like life, has its ups and downs, and Sanju has seen them all. I stand with the fans and the nation in this moment of pride," she said.
To look at Sanju Samson’s T20 WC journey, click here
Sanju’s father Samson Viswanath echoed this sentiment, highlighting his son's selfless approach to the game. "For Sanju, the team's victory always comes before a personal century," he remarked. He admitted that his hopes for Sanju’s inclusion in the squad had dwindled after a challenging series in New Zealand, where Sanju struggled for form. "He faced neglect and setbacks, but luck and hard work aligned. He played his natural game when the team needed it most, especially during those three crucial matches that turned the tide."

The atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad may have been electric, but Thiruvananthapuram felt every pulse of the game. Every boundary Sanju struck was met with firecrackers and cheers across the capital. While there was a momentary hush when he narrowly missed out on a century for the third consecutive match, the disappointment was instantly eclipsed by the sight of India lifting the trophy. For the "local boy" from Kerala, the journey from facing exclusion to becoming a World Cup mainstay is finally complete.