Shastri Praises Samson Ahead of T20 World Cup Final

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has praised wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson for his strong performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying the player has finally matured into a consistent match-winner for the national side.

Samson has been one of India’s standout performers in the tournament’s knockout stages. His recent innings have played a key role in helping India reach the final.

Key Knock Against England

In the semifinal against England, Samson delivered an impressive performance, scoring 89 runs off 42 balls. His innings helped India secure a seven-run victory and book their place in the tournament final.

Earlier in the competition, Samson had also produced an unbeaten 97 from 50 balls against the West Indies, which proved crucial in a must-win match for India.

These performances have highlighted his ability to handle pressure in high-stakes games.

Shastri: Samson Has “Come of Age”

Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri said Samson’s recent performances reflect a more mature approach to his batting.

According to Shastri, the talented batter has always possessed a wide range of shots but had sometimes struggled with consistency earlier in his career.

He noted that Samson now appears to have improved his shot selection, concentration, and mental approach, allowing him to convert opportunities into match-winning contributions.

Shastri also emphasized that Samson’s skill and talent were never in doubt, but consistency had been the key factor that critics previously questioned.

Support for Abhishek Sharma

While Samson has impressed in the tournament, his opening partner Abhishek Sharma has had a relatively quiet run with the bat.

The young left-handed batter has scored 89 runs in seven innings during the competition. Despite this, Shastri believes the team management should continue backing him ahead of the final.

He suggested that making changes at this stage of the tournament may not be necessary, especially since the team has built strong momentum.

Shastri advised that Sharma should focus on trusting his natural game and playing with confidence rather than becoming overly cautious.

Final Against New Zealand

India will face New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

With India aiming to secure another major ICC title, Samson’s form could play an important role in the team’s chances.

Shastri also expressed confidence that Sharma could deliver a strong performance in the final if he continues to back his abilities.

As anticipation builds for the championship match, India will look to maintain the momentum that carried them through the knockout stage.