Ahmedabad: As India stands on the cusp of cricketing history, Mollywood legend Mohanlal has sent a wave of inspiration through the sports world with a special message for the Men in Blue, specifically highlighting Kerala’s own Sanju Samson.

With India set to face New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final tomorrow, the superstar expressed his pride.

"India is going to face New Zealand in the T20 final. In the forefront of this match is our beloved Sanju Samson. To India and our beloved Sanju, I wish success," Mohanlal stated, echoing the sentiments of Malayali worldwide.

Sanju Samson: The hero of the tournament

Sanju Samson has evolved into the backbone of India’s batting lineup during this World Cup. The 31-year-old enters the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in phenomenal form, coming off back-to-back Player of the Match awards.

His recent exploits include semi-final brilliance: A blistering 89 off 42 balls against England at the Wankhede Stadium, which propelled India to a massive total of 253/7.

Super 8 Masterclass: An unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in Kolkata.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also backed Samson to deliver the final blow against the Kiwis. "Sanju is in a zone where he can take any bowling attack apart. He is set to end this tournament on the ultimate high," Ashwin noted.

India eyeing a historic "double" on home soil

The defending champions, led by a clinical performance throughout the tournament (seven wins from eight outings), are one step away from becoming the first team ever to win back-to-back T20 World Cup titles. If India clinches the trophy in Ahmedabad, they will also become the first host nation to win the tournament on home soil.

While the Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand side is high on confidence after Finn Allen's century against South Africa, India holds a psychological edge. Historically, New Zealand has been a "bogey team" for India, but the Men in Blue have won the last two knockout encounters between the sides.

Nationwide prayers: From Madurai to Ahmedabad

The craze for the final has reached a fever pitch. In Madurai, a special prayer was organised at the Sri Maha Periyava Temple. Devotees performed abhishekams and lit lamps, placing a flex board of the Indian team at the temple while chanting "All the Best India."