Sanju Samson, right, and Abhishek Sharma (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes Sanju Samson has finally “grown up” in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, praising improved mental strength, consistency and smarter shot selection after a string of match-winning performances.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!Samson emerged as one of India’s biggest stars in the knockout stages of the tournament. The opener blasted a stunning 42-ball 89 against England in the semi-final to lead India to a thrilling seven-run victory. Earlier, his unbeaten 97 off 50 balls against the West Indies laid the foundation for India’s decisive victory in the virtual quarter-final.
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Reflecting on Samson’s resurgence, Shastri said the talented batsman has finally found a balance between talent and responsibility.“I think he is finally realizing and coming to terms with the fact that he has to be more consistent. He has to be wiser with his shot selection and he has to play to his strengths,” Shastri told The ICC Review.“The thing with Sanju is that he’s got every shot in the book but he’s losing focus. I think he’s toughened up mentally and since coming into the side there’s never been anyone who has doubted his skills or his talent.”“People were disappointed that the course of consistency that should be there now wasn’t there. But now he’s of age,” he said.
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Samson’s heroics were instrumental in taking India to the final, where they will face New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.Despite Samson’s success, his opening partner Abhishek Sharma struggled to find a rhythm in the tournament, scoring just 89 runs in seven innings. However, Shastri urged the team management to show faith in the young left-hander rather than making last-minute changes ahead of the final.“I think they just have to stick with him now,” Shastri said.“Don’t make any changes because the party is doing well. Just tell him, ‘believe in your abilities, believe in your strengths and support them. Don’t go into a shell where you’re timid or timid.’According to Shastri, the biggest stage could bring out the best in Abhishek.“We will support you, you will support your strengths and go out there and play. The last game may be the best for you,” he added.
