Ravi Shastri pinpoints the key to the recent success of Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson is on FIRE. He just played an AMAZING innings against England in the semi-final – 89 runs with SEVEN sixes. And now Ravi Shastri (the famous former India coach with the LOUD voice) has revealed the SECRET behind Sanju’s success. Let me tell you everything Shastri said.

What Sanju Did vs England?

In the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, India chased 168 runs to beat England and reach the final. Sanju Samson opened the batting and played an INCREDIBLE innings.

He scored 89 runs from just 47 balls with:

7 SIXES.

5 fours

Strike rate 189.

He hit sixes over long-on, over extra cover, over mid-wicket – EVERYWHERE. England’s bowlers had no idea what to do. Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Sam Curran all got smashed.

India won by 6 wickets with 11 balls left. Sanju got Player of the Match. His SECOND consecutive Player of the Match award. He also got vs West Indies in the last Super 8 match.

The knock that powered us into the #Final 👏

Sanju Samson gets his 2nd consecutive Player of the Match award for a match-winning 89 (42) 🫡

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/LxSBs3EDPx #TeamIndia | #T20WorldCup | #MenInBlue | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/s5ojGuL2Pw
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 5, 2026

What Ravi Shastri Noticed?

Ravi Shastri watches cricket VERY closely. He noticed something DIFFERENT about Sanju in this World Cup. On The ICC Review show, Shastri explained:

“I think 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.”

That means – Sanju used to play STUPID shots sometimes and get out. Now he chooses shots WISELY. He waits for the right ball to hit. That’s called MATURITY.

Shastri on Sanju's Best Years Ahead

Shastri said the BIGGEST change is in Sanju’s MIND:

“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.”

Sanju ALWAYS had skill – he can play cover drive, pull shot, lofted six, reverse sweep – EVERY SHOT. But sometimes he lost concentration and got out cheaply. NOW he is FOCUSED.

Shastri added: “What people have been disappointed about is that the run of consistency that should have been there by now isn’t there, but he’s come of age now.”

“He’s come of age” means he has GROWN UP as a player. Finally playing like an experienced star.

Sanju's Journey in This World Cup

Sanju didn’t play the first match. Abhishek Sharma opened vs the USA. Then Abhishek got sick, and Sanju played vs Namibia – scored 22 runs in 8 balls. Then he was DROPPED again.

But when India needed him vs Zimbabwe, West Indies, and England, he STEPPED UP.

Match	Runs	Balls	Sixes
vs Namibia	22	8	3
vs Zimbabwe	32	21	2
vs West Indies	58*	38	4
vs England (SF)	89	47	7

That’s 201 runs in the last 4 innings at an average of 100.50 and a strike rate of 176. CRAZY numbers.

Sanju Samson continues his dream run for India as he cruises to a fifty against England🔥

It is one of the @marriottbonvoy Milestones of the #T20WorldCup 2026.

📝: https://t.co/w7G9C2FaMw pic.twitter.com/7Hsx2kLz0j
— ICC (@ICC) March 5, 2026

🚨 Ravi Shastri on Sanju Samson:

He's a genuine match-winner, and he's still just 31 years of age, and when you see shots like that being played today, there's class, there's touch there, there's power there, there's brute force. It's just unbelievable. I think they've just got… pic.twitter.com/gDSxkjgkOB
— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) March 6, 2026

Shastri on Sanju's Best Years Ahead

Shastri believes Sanju’s BEST cricket is STILL AHEAD. Even though Sanju is 31 years old, he has many years left.

“He’s still just 31 years of age and a genuine match-winner. And when you see shots like (today) that are being played, there’s class, there’s touch, there’s power there, there’s brute force. It’s just unbelievable.”

“Genuine match-winner” means he can WIN matches on his own. Like he did vs England.

What About Abhishek Sharma?

Now the SAD news… Abhishek Sharma (World No.1 T20I batter) has STRUGGLED in this World Cup. He scored only 89 runs in 7 innings with THREE ducks.

People are asking: Should India DROP Abhishek for the final vs New Zealand?

Shastri said NO. He thinks India should STICK with Abhishek.

“I think they’ve just got to stick with him now. Don’t make any changes as the side’s having a good run. Stick with that and just tell him to 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.”

He means – the team is WINNING, so don’t change. Tell Abhishek, “WE BELIEVE IN YOU.”

Shastri added, “The last game might be the best game for you.”

That means maybe Abhishek will score BIG in the final. We can hope.

India's Final vs New Zealand

India plays New Zealand in the FINAL on Sunday, March 8 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad (the biggest stadium in the world – 132,000 seats).

New Zealand reached the final by SMASHING South Africa – Finn Allen scored 100 in 33 balls. They are DANGEROUS.

But India has SANJU SAMSON in form. And Rohit Sharma (now ambassador) said: “This team can win the World Cup.”

My Thoughts

You know what I think? Ravi Shastri is SO smart. He noticed exactly what changed in Sanju – MENTAL TOUGHNESS. Sanju always had talent, but now he has TEMPERAMENT.

I think Sanju will score BIG in the final too. 7 sixes vs England, maybe 8 sixes vs NZ?

Abhishek is also due for a big score. He is World No.1 for a reason.

India vs NZ final is going to be EPIC.

At the same time, attention has shifted to other global leagues where on-field performance remains the sole focus. Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s strong run at the top of the SA20 points table, driven by crucial bonus wins, highlights how franchise cricket elsewhere continues to thrive amid stability and sporting clarity.

Sunrisers Supreme: SEC Move Top of SA20 Table with Back-to-Back Bonus Point Wins

What Sanju Said After the Semi-Final

After winning the semi-final, Sanju said: “I’m really happy to contribute in such a big game. The plan was simple – play straight, hit loose balls. The crowd support at Wankhede was amazing.”

When asked about Shastri’s comments, Sanju smiled: “Ravi bhai has known me since my early days. His advice always helps.”