Kochi, April 3 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon Bharatiya Janata Party workers in the poll-bound Kerala to take inspiration from cricketer Sanju Samson’s turnaround performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, describing it as a lesson in overcoming adversity and delivering under pressure.

Addressing party members ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections, Modi referred to Samson’s initial struggles in the tournament and his decisive comeback in the latter stages, which proved vital in securing India’s second T20 World Cup title.

“Sanju showed how to rise above criticism and contribute when the team needed him the most. Every BJP worker in Kerala must adopt that spirit,” he told the Kerala BJP workers. “We saw as the crunch situation came in the tournament, the knockout stage came, and Samson’s performance suddenly reached its peak. From start to finish, his focus, his confidence and his intensity kept increasing. This is the identity of a true player. When the team needed him the most, he showed his best,” he added.

PM Modi urged party workers to step up booth-level activities as the Assembly elections in Kerala draw near. He asked them to remain active in every booth, noting that such efforts would be crucial for the party’s prospects in the election.

He also called for an expansion of door-to-door campaigns and urged workers to participate in large numbers in all election-related activities.

Samson emerged as the backbone of India’s second T20 World Cup title triumph, finishing the tournament with a staggering 321 runs. Despite facing initial scrutiny over his consistency in the early group stages, the wicketkeeper-batter from Kerala delivered match-winning performances when the team faced elimination.

His scores progressed from a cautious start to a dominant finish: 22 against Namibia and 24 against Zimbabwe, before a spectacular turnaround in the knockouts. He smashed 97 not out against the West Indies in a virtual quarter-final, followed by 89 against England in the semi-final and a decisive 89 against New Zealand in the final.

Cricket analysts described Samson’s contribution as the architect of the championship, noting his ability to stabilise the innings before accelerating under immense pressure.His performance earned him the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.

The Prime Minister also extended greetings to the Christian community on the occasion of Good Friday, invoking the teachings of Jesus Christ. “Good Friday reminds us of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. May this day deepen the values of harmony, compassion and forgiveness. May brotherhood and hope guide us all,” he said in a post on X.

Modi’s remarks blended sport and politics, placing Samson’s journey as a metaphor for perseverance and electoral ambition.

— IANS/

snj/bc