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Tharoor Thrilled for Samson's Homecoming in Crucial India-NZ T20 Finale

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed strong excitement about watching Sanju Samson play in front of his home crowd in Thiruvananthapuram during the final T20I against New Zealand. Tharoor believes the match will be a crucial moment in Samson's career, especially as the opener has struggled for runs in the ongoing series. The MP confirmed he will attend the sold-out match at Greenfield Stadium, where India has a strong record, and hopes for a series-clinching victory. The final serves as important preparation before the Indian team heads to the ICC T20 World Cup.

Key Points: Shashi Tharoor Excited for Sanju Samson's Home T20 Match

  • Tharoor excited for Samson's home crowd moment
  • Final T20I crucial for Samson's career
  • All tickets for the match sold out
  • India aims to bounce back after NZ's last win
3 min read

'It's going to be a thrill to watch': Tharoor excited for Sanju Samson's homecoming

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expresses excitement to watch Sanju Samson play before his home crowd in the crucial final T20I against New Zealand.

"It's going to be a thrill to watch Sanju also playing before his home crowd. - Shashi Tharoor"

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 31

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed strong excitement about watching Kerala's hero Sanju Samson play in front of the home crowd as the Indian cricket team gears up for the final match of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand to be played at Greenfield Stadium on Saturday.

Speaking to IANS, Tharoor said that it's going to be an amazing experience watching Samson play in his hometown. He also feels that the match will be crucial for Samson's career, as the opener is struggling for runs in the current series.

"To the match tonight, I think it's going to be a thrill to watch Sanju also playing before his home crowd. That's going to be a very important moment, I think, in his career and for all of us who are his fans in Tiruvannamalai," he told IANS.

Tharoor was also excited to hear the massive response the match had received in the city, with all the tickets sold out. Tharoor also wants Team India to make a good comeback after New Zealand beat them by 50 runs in the 4th T2OI. The Congress MP confirmed that he will come to the stadium to cheer for India.

"I was excited to hear the entire stadium was sold out, and it's one of the most impressive stadiums in India," he said.

"So I think it's going to be a fitting climax to the 5-day T20 series that India and New Zealand have played. It should be an exciting match. New Zealand won the last one, so it's time for us to turn the tables once again. I'm looking forward to a good finish to the series. I'm going to be watching. Seriously, thanks," he added.

Samson has struggled to get a big score during the ongoing series. The 31-year-old, who returned to the opening role after Shubman Gill was axed from the team, has been able to score just 40 runs in four innings against the Black Caps. This match will be crucial for him as Team India will head to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will start on February 7.

India has a great record at the Greenfield Stadium. They have won three of the four T20I matches played at the venue. The average first-innings score at this stadium is 155, while the highest total was put up by India against Australia in 2023, when they scored 235 runs in 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav's team will aim to continue the momentum and end the series with a win.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Tharoor sir is right. The pressure is immense on Samson. He's a talented player but consistency has been an issue. Hope the home support brings out the best in him. The team needs a solid start, especially after the last loss.
R
Rohit P
With the T20 World Cup squad selection around the corner, this innings is make or break for Sanju. No more excuses. He has to deliver. The stadium being sold out shows how much Kerala believes in him. Don't let them down!
S
Sarah B
It's lovely to see a politician being such a genuine cricket fan. Tharoor's excitement is contagious! Wishing Team India all the best for the decider. Hope it's a great game.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think we put too much emotional weight on these "homecoming" narratives. Samson needs to be judged purely on his performance for India, not which city he's playing in. The team should come first.
K
Kavya N
Greenfield Stadium is a beautiful ground and the atmosphere will be next level! 🇮🇳 Whether Sanju scores big or not, just having a packed house cheering for India in Kerala is a win for cricket. Let's enjoy the sport!

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