Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his joy over the selection of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson in India's T20 World Cup squad, applauding it as a well-deserved opportunity for the player from his constituency, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The announcement for the provisional squad of 15 players set to participate in the upcoming marquee tournament in the Americas came on Tuesday.
Sanju Samson secured the position of the second wicketkeeper, alongside Rishabh Pant, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya serving as the vice-captain.
Tharoor, known for his eloquent support of regional talents, took to Twitter to commend the selection committee's decision. "Congratulations to the @BCCI selectors on picking an excellent team for the #T20WorldCup2024. Delighted that my constituency will finally be represented at a cricket World Cup with @IamSanjuSamson finally getting a much-deserved break! This team will bring back the trophy!!," he tweeted.
A former diplomat and a longstanding cricket aficionado, Tharoor has previously been vocal about his disappointment regarding Samson's exclusion from the ODI World Cup squad last year. His consistent support highlights his belief in Samson's capabilities and his potential to contribute significantly on the international stage.
Sanju Samson's current form in the Indian Premier League has been nothing short of impressive. As the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, he has led his team to the top of the points table, amassing 385 runs across nine games. His leadership and performance have been instrumental in his team's success, showcasing his readiness and form for the upcoming World Cup.
Since making his debut in 2015, the 29-year-old has played in 25 T20 Internationals for India.
IPL 2024 Report Card for every member of India's T20 World Cup squad