Varun Chakravarthy and Sanju Samson. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Naman Awards ceremony, held to celebrate India’s cricketing heroes, turned into a viral moment after Varun Chakravarthy made a light-hearted yet striking remark involving Sanju Samson.The meme remark came during the red carpet when Varun Chakravarthy and Sanju Samson arrived for the ceremony when asked about the world cup campaign from Varun and Sanju Samson, Varun’s meme remark on Samson grabs the attention of the people on social media.Varun Chakravarthy said: ‘There is meme going on social media, if there is a Mallu in the World Cup team, we never lose the World Cup’.Varun Chakravarthy’s remark on Sanju Samson came from the original things that Malayalam players have won us the world cup even before the T20 world cup 2026 by Samson. The Meme flooded on Social Media with people assuming where it came from.

Who Were The Malayali players who won the world cup previsouly

Malayali cricketers have played a remarkable “lucky charm” role in India’s major cricket World Cup victories, with at least one Kerala-born player in every winning squad since 1983.Sunil Valson (1983):- Part of Kapil Dev’s 1983 World Cup winning campaign, though did not play any matchesS. Sreesanth (2007 T20, 2011 ODI):- S. Sreesanth was the key bowler in India’s both World Cup victories, including taking the winning catch in 2007. Sanju Samson (2024 & 2026 T20):- Sanju was part of the T20 World Cup 2024 though he did not played any matches, In 2026 he became the Player of the tournament in India’s 3rd T20I title victory

The remark quickly went viral on social media, especially in the backdrop of India’s dominant triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where Samson played a pivotal role.

Sanju Samson’s dream World Cup campaign

Samson was one of the standout performers of the tournament and was eventually named Player of the Tournament for his exceptional contributions. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 321 runs in just five innings, averaging over 80 with a staggering strike rate close to 200, making him one of the most destructive batters in the competition.His performances in crucial matches defined India’s title-winning run:97 not out vs West Indies (Super 8) – a match-winning knock under pressure89 vs England (Semi-final) – a dominant innings in a knockout clash89 vs New Zealand (Final) – a blazing start that set up India’s title win

Varun Chakravarthy’s World Cup campaign

Varun Chakravarthy had a mixed yet impactful campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, playing a key role in India’s title-winning run. The mystery spinner emerged as one of the leading wicket-takers of the tournament, finishing with 14 wickets, showcasing his ability to break crucial partnerships in the middle overs. His standout performance came against the Netherlands, where he delivered a brilliant spell to seal a win for India.

India’s Varun Chakravarthy (AP Photo)

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has backed Varun Chakravarthy as India’s most dangerous weapon at the moment, even suggesting that the mystery spinner is proving more lethal than Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Srikkanth also expressed surprise that Varun is not receiving the recognition he deserves.Varun has been in exceptional form, claiming nine wickets in four matches at an average of 6.88 and an economy rate of 5.16. In India’s game against the Netherlands, he returned outstanding figures of three for 14 from three overs.

Interestingly, in the 21 matches where Varun and Bumrah have featured together, the spinner leads the wicket tally 30-22. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said that batters are still unable to decipher Varun’s variations.“Look at the pitch maps — most of his deliveries are around off-stump and middle-stump. Against right-handers, the ball just angles in slightly and then turns. His googly comes in sharply. Most of his wickets are from good length or just short of good length. Not even full deliveries. Even his so-called short balls are deceptive.”“People don’t know what he’s bowling. Is it a googly? Is it the straight one? Is it slower? Is it quicker? No one knows. Suddenly he bowls one faster. Then he changes speed again. Multiple speeds. Long run-up, relaxed action — but incredibly deceptive.”“Frankly speaking, he doesn’t get enough credit. Bumrah is fantastic. You won’t easily find a bowler like Bumrah,” said Srikkanth.Although Shivam Dube was named Player of the Match against the Netherlands, Srikkanth felt Varun was equally deserving.“Today, yes, Shivam Dube played a blinder and deserved Man of the Match. I’m not denying that. But if you look at Varun’s figures — three wickets for very few runs, all top-order wickets — why wasn’t he even considered a contender for Man of the Match? No one even thought about it,” he said.Since making a comeback after an underwhelming start to his international career, Varun has taken 47 wickets in 27 matches across 2024 and 2025. In 2026 alone, he already has 13 wickets from seven games. Srikkanth believes that if India lift the trophy, Varun could well be Player of the Tournament.“Hundred percent (he can be the Player Of The Tournament). Because of consistency. In every match he plays, even on a bad day, he gives away only 34 or 35 runs. For a spinner, four overs for 36 runs is absolutely acceptable in T20 cricket. But within that, he still takes one or two wickets.”“He’s casually delivering match-winning performances. But he’s not celebrated enough,” said Srikkanth.The former chief selector went a step further, calling Varun a modern-day great in the format and comparing his current impact to what Bumrah delivered in T20Is a few years ago.“Varun, you are a modern-day great. I’m telling you honestly from my heart — not because you’re Tamil, not because you’re from Tamil Nadu or Chennai. No. Purely because of ability. Every batter is struggling. They don’t know how to face him. They don’t know whether to defend. They don’t know whether to attack. They don’t know what to do against him.”“That’s exactly what Bumrah used to be a couple of years ago. Bumrah is still doing brilliantly,” said Srikkanth.Varun will next feature in India’s Super 8 encounter against South Africa on Sunday, February 22.