Sanju Samson played yet another match-winning knock in the second semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2026, as India beat England by seven runs to set up a clash in the final on Sunday. The opener struck a 42-ball 89 on Thursday and in the previous match against the West Indies, a virtual quarterfinal, Sanju scored a 50-ball 97.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri said that Sanju has realised the worth of consistency to succeed at this level.
“I think (he is) finally realising and coming to terms with the fact that he needs to be more consistent. He’s got to be wiser with his shot selection and he’s got to back his strengths. The thing with Sanju is he’s got every shot in the book, but lapses in concentration,” Shastri was quoted saying on ‘The ICC Review’.
“I think he’s toughened up mentally and there’s never anyone who’s doubted his skill or talent ever since he made the side. What people have been disappointed is that the run of consistency that should have been there by now isn’t there, but he’s come of age now,” he added.
Sanju was not part of India’s playing XI at the start of the tournament and when his chance came the opener grabbed it with both hands. Two great innings in back-to-back matches also earned him the Player-of the-Match award, and Shastri feels the world is yet to see the best of Sanju.
“He’s still just 31 years of age and a genuine match-winner,” Shastri said.
“And when you see shots like (Thursday) that is being played, there’s class, there’s touch there, there’s power there, there’s brute force. It’s just unbelievable.”
In the contrary, Sanju’s opening partner, Abhishek Sharma is struggling with the bat. In this tournament he has scored 89 runs from seven innings, which includes three consecutive ducks. However, Shastri advised India to continue with the world No. 1 batter in the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
“I think they’ve just got to stick with him now,” Shastri said.
“Don’t make any changes as the side’s having a good run. Stick with that and just tell him ‘believe in your ability, believe in your strengths and back your strengths, don’t go into a shell where you’re tentative or you’re timid’.
“We back you, you back your strengths and go out there and play. The last game might be the best game for you,” he also said.
