Shastri credits mental toughness for Samson’s World Cup surge

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has explained what he believes is the key reason behind the recent success of Sanju Samson at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Samson had spent much of the recent period on the fringes of India’s preferred T20I setup and missed selection in the early stages of the tournament when Ishan Kishan was preferred as opener and Rinku Singh was in the mix.

However, Samson has since delivered back-to-back Player-of-the-Match performances to help India reach the final against New Zealand. His latest contribution came in the knockout semifinal against England in Mumbai, where he struck seven sixes during a superb knock of 89.

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While Samson’s surge in form has surprised many, Shastri said he had anticipated such performances, pointing to a noticeable shift in the batter’s approach. Shastri believes Samson has become mentally stronger at the crease and that this change has played a major role in his success at the tournament.

“I think finally realising and coming to terms with the fact that he needs to be more consistent,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.

“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. 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.”

Although Samson has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, Shastri feels his best cricket could still lie ahead, especially now that his role in the Indian team is more clearly defined.

“He’s still just 31 years of age and a genuine match-winner,” Shastri noted.

“And when you see shots like (today) that is being played, there’s class, there’s touch there, there’s power there, there’s brute force. It’s just unbelievable.”

While Samson’s form has been a major boost for India, the recent struggles of fellow opener Abhishek Sharma have raised some concerns ahead of Sunday’s final against New Zealand.

Abhishek has managed just 89 runs from seven innings in the tournament so far. However, Shastri believes it would be unwise for India to alter their playing XI at this stage and insists the top-ranked T20I batter should be backed in the final. “I think they’ve just got to stick with him now,” Shastri noted.

“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 added.