‘Mature’: Shastri hails Samson and supports Abhishek ahead of T20 WC final

New Delhi: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believe Sanzhou Samson He has finally “mature” in the ongoing 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and he praised the wicketkeeper-batsman for his improved mental strength, consistency and smarter shot selection after a string of match-winning performances.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Samson has emerged as one of India’s brightest stars in the knockout stages of the tournament. In the semi-finals of the opening match, India defeated England with a score of 89 off 42 balls to achieve a thrilling seventh consecutive victory. Earlier, he scored an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls against West Indies, setting the stage for India’s crucial victory in the virtual quarter-finals.

Reflecting on Samson’s resurgence, Shastri said the talented batsman had finally found a balance between talent and responsibility.“I think he has finally realized and accepted the fact that he needs to be more consistent. He has to choose his shots more wisely and he has to back his strengths,” Shastri said in ICC commentary.“The problem with Sanju is that he’s hitting every shot at a high rate but not concentrating. I think he’s mentally toughened up and no one has ever doubted his skill or talent since he joined the team.”“People are disappointed that the consistency that should be there now isn’t there. But he’s an adult now,” he said.

Samson’s heroics played a crucial role in guiding 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 He struggled to find a rhythm in the tournament, scoring just 89 points in seven innings. Shastri, however, urged the team management to show faith in the young left-hander and not make last-minute changes before the final.“I think they have to continue to support him now,” Shastri said.“When the team is doing well, don’t make any changes. Just tell him, ‘Believe in your abilities, believe in your strengths and support them. Don’t get bogged down in hesitation or timidity.'”Shastri believes that the biggest stage can bring out the best in Abhishek.“We back you, you back your strengths and go out and compete. The last game is probably the best game for you,” he added.