The gates of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport have seen many dignitaries, but on Monday they witnessed a homecoming devoid of anyone. India‘s premier keeper-batter, Sanju Samsonreturned to his roots in Kerala after a career-defining campaign 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The atmosphere was electric as thousands of fans donned the Indian tricolor and chanted.Dream, Dream,” gathered hours before his flight landed.The local hero from the coastal village of Vizhinjam didn’t just return with a winner’s medal, he returned as the official crown-bearer. Player of the Tournamenta feat that ignited collective pride throughout the state.
Sanju Samson returns to a roaring reception at the Thiruvananthapuram airport
As soon as Samson arrived, he was greeted with a huge roar from the sea of supporters. Minister of Education representing the State Government V. Sivankutty participated in receiving the champion and presented him with a ceremonial gift and a traditional Kerala shawl. The minister noted that Sanju’s journey is a beacon of hope for every young athlete of the region.
Despite the chaos of the cheering crowd, Samson waved to his fans, visibly moved by the reception. For a player often faced with a mercurial label, this homecoming was the ultimate appreciation. The Kerala government has already announced plans for a grander, official state reception to further honor India’s contribution to its successful T20 World Cup title defense.
We present the video:
Sanju Samson gets a grand welcomepic.twitter.com/Ozq7D7QMRa
— Aatish Kapoor Oscar winner (@AkashThapa2505) March 10, 2026
Also READ: Sanju Samson ft. Complete list of T20 World Cup Player who won the tournament
Samson’s dream runs in T20 World Cup 2026
Samson’s journey to the Player of the Tournament award was a story of resilience. He was recalled to the XI at a critical juncture after being dropped early in the tournament following a poor patch during the New Zealand bilateral series. This was followed by the triple treatment of match-winning knocks that will go down in cricket history.
- Super Eight Spark: against West IndiaIndia faced a daunting chase of 196. Samson silenced his critics with a clinical, unbeatable move. 97 from 50 ballsswung the momentum of the tournament in India’s favour.
- Wankhede blitz: In the high-pressure semi-final against Englandequalized Virat KohliRecord highest score by an Indian in a T20WC knock-out, a breathtaking 89 off 42 deliveries.
- Ahmedabad Final: Saving his best for the grandest stage, Samson performed against another 89 in the final New Zealand. A 46-ball masterclass at the Narendra Modi Stadium took India to a record-breaking 255/5, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final.
Samson finished the tournament with 321 runs and a record-breaking 24 sixes, the most by a player in a single edition. During the post-tournament celebrations, Sanju counted his comeback in 2024 to visualize his achievements during his time on the bench and receive technical guidance from the legendary player. Sachin Tendulkar.
Also READ: After his T20 World Cup heroics, Sanju Samson is in for a grand welcome in Kerala
