Kerala erupts in celebration as Sanju Samson wins T20 World Cup Man of the Series

Kerala erupted in celebration, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram district, after Sanju Samson delivered a stellar performance in the T20 World Cup and won the Man of the Series award.

The cricketer became the toast of the state as India secured a historic victory, with Samson playing a key role in the tournament with a series of crucial innings.

Samson hails from Vizhinjam, a coastal town in Thiruvananthapuram district, where fans gathered in large numbers to celebrate his success. Residents expressed pride as the local star rose to global prominence.

"We are proud...he played an extraordinary innings. We are extremely happy seeing this man from Vizhingam win (the cup)," a resident said.

Another fan said, "No player in my memory consistently scored 80s and 90s in consecutive do or die matches. We are proud of him."

Much of the credit for Samson’s journey goes to his father, Samson Vishwanath, a former Delhi Police official, who recognised his son’s talent early and supported his cricketing ambitions.

"He is not my hero only since yesterday. He's been my hero since he was 10 years old. Whatever I ask, he gives. At the age of 10 or 11, he captained the Kerala team. He got 974 runs playing for Kerala. He's been my hero since childhood," Samson said.

The proud father recalled his son’s early love for cricket.

"At the age of 7, when people used to bowl, my child used to bat with a stump. They used to bat with a stump. Both my sons. ...He hit straight sixes from a stretch at the age of seven or six. So, since then, he's been my hero."

Sanju’s international career had been under pressure heading into the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup. However, he delivered when it mattered most, scoring 97, 89 and 89 in three crucial matches.

Those performances helped India lift their third T20 World Cup title, which was also the country’s second consecutive win and the first by a host nation.

Political leaders and celebrities across Kerala praised Samson for his historic achievement.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan congratulated the cricketer, saying, "Your match-winning performance in the final and consistency throughout were truly outstanding. You have made Kerala and all of India proud. This is the real Kerala Story — talent, hard work and excellence shining on the world stage."

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty shared a picture of Samson with the caption -- Nammude Payyan (Our boy).

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also paid tribute to his "Thiruvananthapuram hero," while filmmaker Basil Joseph shared a picture of himself with Samson on social media.

Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan and cricketer Basil George also congratulated the player.

 Actor Mohanlal wrote, "A "Rarest of Rare" hat-trick of match-winning knocks in the Super 8, Semi-Final, and the Final. Your consistency and class have been the heartbeat of this campaign. A historic achievement that makes us all incredibly proud."

Actor Mammootty said, "Special congratulations Dear @IamSanjuSamson for winning the ICC Player of the Tournament after an outstanding World Cup performance."