![\"\u2018Come](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-129139419,imgsize-178048,width-400,resizemode-4\/team-india.jpg\" "\\"Sanju")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri<\/a> believes Sanju Samson<\/a> has finally \u201ccome of age\u201d in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, praising the wicketkeeper-batter\u2019s improved mental strength, consistency and smarter shot selection after a string of match-winning performances.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. <\/span>SUBSCRIBE NOW!<\/a>Samson has emerged as one of India\u2019s biggest stars in the knockout stage of the tournament. The opener blasted a stunning 42-ball 89 against England in the semifinal to power India to a thrilling seven-run victory. Earlier, his unbeaten 97 off 50 balls against the West Indies had laid the foundation for India\u2019s crucial win in a virtual quarterfinal. <\/p>\n India in T20 World Cup final: Small contributions which had HUGE impact<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Reflecting on Samson\u2019s resurgence, Shastri said the talented batter has finally found the balance between flair and responsibility.\u201cI think he\u2019s finally realising and coming to terms with the fact that he needs to be more consistent. He\u2019s got to be wiser with his shot selection and he\u2019s got to back his strengths,\u201d Shastri said on The ICC Review.\u201cThe thing with Sanju is he\u2019s got every shot in the book, but lapses in concentration. I think he\u2019s toughened up mentally and there\u2019s never been anyone who\u2019s doubted his skill or talent ever since he made the side.\u201d\u201cWhat people have been disappointed about is that the run of consistency that should have been there by now wasn\u2019t there. But he\u2019s come of age now,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Poll<\/p>\n Should the team stick with Abhishek Sharma for the final despite his struggles?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Samson\u2019s heroics have played a crucial role in guiding India into the final, where they will face New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.Despite Samson\u2019s success, his opening partner Abhishek Sharma<\/a> has struggled to find rhythm in the tournament, scoring just 89 runs in seven innings. However, Shastri urged the team management to show faith in the young left-hander rather than making last-minute changes before the final.\u201cI think they\u2019ve just got to stick with him now,\u201d Shastri said.\u201cDon\u2019t make any changes as the side\u2019s having a good run. Just tell him, \u2018believe in your ability, believe in your strengths and back them. Don\u2019t go into a shell where you\u2019re tentative or timid.\u2019\u201dAccording to Shastri, the biggest stage could bring the best out of Abhishek.\u201cWe back you, you back your strengths and go out there and play. The last game might be the best game for you,\u201d he added.<\/div>\n\n