New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) Former coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri, asserts that Sanju Samson has developed a stronger mental resilience while batting, attributing his recent success in the T20 World Cup to this newfound mindset.

In recent years, Samson has lingered just outside the core of India's top T20I squad, and he was not selected for the initial matches of the T20 World Cup as Ishan Kishan was chosen as the opener, with Rinku Singh also preferred.

However, the wicketkeeper batsman has delivered back-to-back Player of the Match performances, playing a crucial role in propelling India into the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. His latest outstanding performance was in the knockout semi-final against England in Mumbai, where he smashed seven sixes in a stunning innings of 89 runs.

While many have been taken aback by Samson’s resurgence, Shastri has observed a significant transformation in the right-handed batsman's approach.

"I believe he has finally acknowledged the need for greater consistency. He must be more discerning with his shot selection and trust his strengths," Shastri remarked during an episode of The ICC Review.

“The beauty of Sanju's game is that he possesses every shot, yet he has previously suffered from lapses in concentration. I think he has become mentally tougher, and there's never been a question about his skill or talent since he joined the team.

“What has disappointed people is the lack of the consistent run that should have been established by now, but he has truly come of age,” he added.

Shastri also expressed confidence that Samson's prime form is still ahead of him, especially now that his role within the Indian squad is well-defined.

"At just 31 years old, he remains a genuine match-winner. When you observe the shots he’s executing, there’s class, finesse, power, and brute force—it's simply remarkable," Shastri emphasized.

Reflecting on the recent performance of fellow opener Abhishek Sharma, which raises some concerns leading into the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, Shastri believes it is too late to make changes to India’s lineup and recommends sticking with the young opener for the decisive match against the Black Caps.

"I think they need to maintain their current lineup. No changes are necessary since the team is on a winning streak. They should encourage him to trust in his abilities, rely on his strengths, and avoid becoming tentative or timid.

"We have faith in you; trust your strengths and go out there and perform. The last game could be your best," he concluded.