Malayali cricketers continue World Cup legacy as Sanju Samson shines in India’s T20 triumph

Ahmedabad: Whenever India national cricket team lifts a Cricket World Cup, a Malayali presence seems to be part of the story. When Kapil Dev led India to its historic World Cup triumph at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1983, a Malayali player was part of the squad. The tradition has continued in later triumphs in 2007, 2011, 2024 and 2026, with Malayali cricketers contributing to India’s success. As India stands tall with our latest ICC Men's T20 World Cup victory, three Malayali playershave so far been part of India’s title-winning campaigns throughout the history.

Indian Team With T20 World Cup Trophy

Sanju Samson, who was part of the 2024 World Cup squad but did not get a chance to play a single match, made full use of the opportunities he received this time. Out of India’s nine matches in the tournament, he played five and scored 321 runs, including three half-centuries. His performances in crucial matches helped establish him as one of the stars of the tournament. In the final, Sanju scored 89 runs, the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final, and became only the third player to score half-centuries in both the semi-final and the final of a World Cup. The feat had earlier been achieved by Virat Kohli in 2014 and Shahid Afridi in 2019. Sanju also set other milestones, including hitting the most sixes in the tournament with 24 and becoming the seventh player to score three consecutive half-centuries in a World Cup.

S Sreesanth During 2007 T20 Final(L) Captain Dhoni Celebrating After Sreesanth Takes Final Wicket

Malayali fans also fondly remember the decisive moment of the 2007 T20 World Cup final. Pacer S. Sreesanth took the famous catch that sealed India’s victory against Pakistan team. He caught Misbah-ul-Haq off a delivery from Joginder Sharma, when Pakistan needed five runs from four balls to win. Sreesanth bowled four overs in the final and took one wicket, finishing the tournament with six wickets in seven matches. He was also part of the Indian squad that won the 2011 ODI World Cup under captain MS Dhoni, though he did not take a wicket in the final.

The Malayali presence in India’s World Cup teams date back to the country’s first win in 1983. When Kapil Dev’s team lifted the trophy, pace bowler Sunil Valson was a member of the team. Although he did not get a chance to play during the tournament, his inclusion marked the first Malayali representation in a World Cup-winning Indian team. Originally from a family with roots in Kannur, Valson later settled in Dehradun and is based in Delhi.

Together, these players have ensured that Kerala continues to have a place in the history of India’s World Cup victories.