[WATCH] “After 21 years, that day has come” - Sanju Samson elated after meeting Rajinikanth in dream-come-true moment

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson on Sunday, March 12, shared a picture with South superstar Rajinikanth. While uploading the picture on his official social media handle, he revealed that, as a kid, he had told his parents that one day he would meet 'Rajni sir' in his house.

Samson, 28, has not played for India since the first T20I of the home series against Sri Lanka in January this year. He suffered a knee injury while fielding in the game played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He hasn’t been recalled to the national side.

On Sunday, an elated Samson shared a picture with Rajinikanth in what was clearly a fanboy for the cricketer. While uploading the image with the legendary actor, the keeper-batter wrote:

“At the age of 7 already being a Super Rajni fan,,I told my parents ..See one day I will go and meet Rajni sir in his house…

“After 21 years, that day has come when The Thalaivar invited me..☺️🙏🏽.”

The cricketer's fan club also shared a video of Samson meeting his favorite actor.

Rajinikanth is regarded as one of the biggest superstars in the history of Indian cinema and has a cult following across South India.

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“There is just no place in the XI” - Aakash Chopra on Samson getting limited opportunities

While there has been plenty of debate over Samson not getting enough opportunities for India, former opener Aakash Chopra reckons that the Kerala stumper hasn’t utilized his chances all that well.

He also added that Samson is likely to remain on the sidelines as India already have multiple keeping options. Chopra recently told YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia on ‘TRS Clips’:

“Sanju has a cult following. When he plays well, he makes batting look easy. He is pleasing to the eyes and took his team to the Ranji final, and IPL final. Got some opportunities for India but didn’t make the most of them. And this is a reality that fans do not understand. Sanju realises that he is going to get limited opportunities in the current set-up.

“There is just no place in the XI. Ishan Kishan scored a double-century and yet was benched for the next few matches. When he did, he was asked to bat at No. 5. There isn’t a place. And it’s not because KL Rahul wasn’t available. Had he been available, he would have still sat out."

Samson has represented India in 11 ODIs and 17 T20Is, scoring 330 and 301 runs, respectively. He has two fifties in one-dayers and one in T20Is.