The main question among Indian cricket fans who were awaiting the announcement of the Indian team for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup, to be held in the West Indies and the United States from June 2 to 29, was whether Malayalam player Sanju Samson would get a chance. Sanju has consistently been omitted from most Indian team announcements and even in the occasional opportunities he has received, he has not been able to produce enough quality to secure a spot. The fact that the selectors had earlier clarified that the World Cup team would be selected based on performances in the IPL intensified discussions about Sanju's possibilities. The Indian team was announced the other day, giving an opportunity to Sanju as a wicket-keeper batsman, as judged by former players.

Upon hearing the news of his inclusion in the team, Sanju posted a photo and caption on his Instagram account. This viral post featured a picture of him wearing the jacket of the Indian team and the lyrics 'Viyarppu Thunniyitta Kuppayam'! These are the opening lines of a song composed by Malayalee rapper Haridas Murali, known as Vedan, for the film Manjummal Boys. These lyrics resonated deeply with Sanju's life and career at that moment. After facing much neglect and exclusion, Sanju earned his place in the Indian team through hard work.

Sanju's outstanding performance in the IPL this season paved the way for his selection in the Indian team. As the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, he has scored 385 runs, including four half-centuries, from nine matches this season. He has demonstrated consistency throughout the season, dispelling any concerns about his form fluctuating after a strong start. Sanju boasts a higher batting average and strike rate than Virat Kohli, who is the top run-scorer. Despite making his debut for the Indian team in 2015, Sanju has only featured in 25 international Twenty20 matches prior to this selection. This marks his first inclusion in the squad for an ICC tournament. Sanju was notably absent from the squad for the ODI World Cup last year. However, he played in the ODI series during the tour of South Africa and scored his first century in an Indian shirt.

Sanju's inclusion in the team comes at the expense of players like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer, who did not secure a place. Sanju now shoulders a significant responsibility to meet the expectations of not only the selectors but also the fans. This presents a golden opportunity for Sanju, who has experienced being in and out of the Indian team numerous times, to cement his place permanently. Sanju understands this better than anyone else and is prepared to put in the hard work required. In 1983, the 15-member team that won the first ODI World Cup included Sunil Valsan, a Malayalee from another country. Sreesanth left his mark on the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup titles. May Sanju become the Malayalee touch in India's next World Cup triumph.