Hitting jackpot: Sanju Samson set for multimillion-rupee reward after historic performance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram’s own Sanju Samson has become the toast of the nation, securing the Player of the Tournament award to cap off India’s historic World Cup victory. His journey through the tournament is the stuff of sports legend; initially left out of the starting eleven, Samson transformed into an indispensable force, playing a pivotal role in clinching the title and igniting the passion of cricket fans across the country.

In recognition of this monumental achievement, the BCCI has announced a massive ₹131 crore reward for the victorious squad. Of this total, ₹90 crore has been allocated directly to the 15-member playing squad, ensuring each player receives a windfall of ₹6 crore. The remaining ₹41 crore is designated for the support staff, including Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, in acknowledgment of their strategic contributions to the campaign.

This incentive surpasses the ₹125 crore awarded by the board following the previous World Cup victory in the West Indies and the United States. While the celebrations continue, the focus now shifts to Delhi, where the team is set to be formally honored at a grand ceremony later this month. The event will be a celebration of excellence across Indian cricket, as the men’s senior squad is joined by the Women’s World Cup-winning team and the Under-19 World Cup champions, marking a golden era for the sport in India.