Kerala , 3 April: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in poll-bound Kerala to draw inspiration from cricketer Sanju Samson’s remarkable turnaround in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, highlighting it as an example of perseverance and performance under pressure.
Addressing party members ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections, PM Modi pointed to Samson’s early struggles in the tournament and his match-winning contributions in the knockout stages, which played a key role in India securing its second T20 World Cup title.
“Sanju showed how to rise above criticism and contribute when the team needed him the most. Every BJP worker in Kerala must adopt that spirit,” PM Modi said while addressing party workers.
“We saw as the crunch situation came in the tournament, the knockout stage came, and Samson’s performance suddenly reached its peak. From start to finish, his focus, his confidence and his intensity kept increasing. This is the identity of a true player. When the team needed him the most, he showed his best,” the Prime Minister further added.
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of strengthening booth-level operations, urging party workers to stay active across constituencies. He underlined that consistent grassroots engagement would be critical to the BJP’s electoral prospects in Kerala.
PM Modi also called for an expansion of door-to-door outreach programmes and encouraged workers to actively participate in all campaign-related activities.
Sanju Samson emerged as a central figure in India’s title-winning campaign, amassing 321 runs in the tournament. After modest scores of 22 against Namibia and 24 against Zimbabwe, he staged a dramatic comeback during the knockouts.
Samson’s unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in a virtual quarter-final was followed by 89 against England in the semi-final and another 89 in the final against New Zealand.
Analysts credited him as the architect of India’s triumph, praising his ability to stabilise innings and accelerate under pressure. He received the Player of the Tournament.
Separately, PM Modi extended Good Friday greetings. He recalled the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that the values of compassion, harmony and forgiveness continue to guide society.
