NEW DELHI: As the India vs New Zealand T20 series reaches its final leg in Thiruvananthapuram, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed strong excitement about watching Sanju Samson play in front of his home crowd.
With all tickets sold out and the stadium expected to be packed, the final match promises a big atmosphere and a strong finish to the five-match series.
“I am really looking forward to Sanju playing before his home crowd. All of us who are big fans in Thiruvananthapuram, and of Sanju in particular, will have much to look forward to. It has been a good series and last time New Zealand won the fourth match. It is a chance for us to turn the tables or see how well we can stack up against this newly-energised New Zealand side. The whole stadium is going to be full, I'm told all the tickets are sold out. It's a huge occasion.”
Tharoor believes the home game could be an ideal moment for Samson to regain form after a difficult run in the series. He described Samson as a key asset for India and underlined the importance of the final T20I, especially with the T20 World Cup around the corner.
“I am wishing Sanju and India all the very best and big success. I'm looking forward to a good contest. It should be a fitting climax to this five-match series. It is also our last match before the T20 World Cup, so we really need to make sure that all our stars fire on all cylinders.”
With just 40 runs in his last four T20I innings after returning to the opening slot, the pressure is clearly on Samson. Ishan Kishan has made strong statements with the bat, which has only increased the competition.
As India look to finalise their plans before the World Cup, Samson’s ability to handle the moment in front of his home crowd could prove crucial.
