WATCH: Heartwarming scene as KL Rahul embraces Sanju Samson during BCCI’s Naman Awards tribute to T20 World Cup champions

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The 2026 BCCI Naman Awards in New Delhi was more than just a formal gala; it was a celebration of a new era in Indian cricket. While the evening honoured the finest talents in the domestic and international circuit, the spotlight remained firmly fixed on the heroes of India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph.

Amidst the glitz and glamour, one particular moment went viral, capturing the true essence of camaraderie within the Indian dressing room, a heartwarming embrace between Sanju Samson and KL Rahul.

As the T20 World Cup-winning squad was summoned to the stage for a special tribute, the cameras caught a candid interaction. Rahul, who has shared many battles on the field with Samson, called out to the wicketkeeper-batter with a beaming smile. Samson, ever the unassuming star, immediately turned back to share a long, soulful hug with Rahul. The gesture resonated deeply with all cricket fans, serving as a reminder that despite the intense competition for spots in the playing XI, the bond between these athletes remains unbreakable.

KL calling Sanju for a hug as he goes to collect his award, is giving us the feels tonight 🥹🇮🇳

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 15, 2026

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For Samson, the 2026 T20 World Cup was the culmination of years of ‘toiling in the shadows.’ Named the Player of the Tournament, Samson’s statistics read like a dream: 321 runs in just five innings, maintaining a staggering strike rate of nearly 200. However, the numbers only tell half the story.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Samson admitted that the gravity of the achievement is still sinking in. “When I get up in the morning, I’m like, ‘has it really happened?‘” Samson remarked. He likened his journey to a movie script, one where he was initially sidelined, only to be brought back when the team needed a miracle.

His performance under pressure was the backbone of India’s title run. Samson delivered three consecutive 80-plus scores in the highest-stakes matches: the must-win Super Eight clash against the West Indies, the semi-final against England, and the grand finale against New Zealand.

“I wanted to win a World Cup for my country, but it had its own plan, its own script. In the World Cup, the focus was all about the team. The shift happened when I realized the team truly needed me,” Samson added.

Looking ahead, Samson expressed immense confidence in the pipeline of Indian talent. He dismissed the idea that this victory was a one-off event, citing the sheer quality of players emerging from the domestic structure. According to the Kerala star, the “quality of players we have” ensures that India will be lifting trophies more frequently in the coming years.

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