Ravi Shastri pinpoints key to recent success of Sanju Samson

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has revealed what he thinks is the main reason behind the recent success of Sanju Samson at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Samson has been on the fringes of India's best T20I outfit in recent years and missed selection during the early portion of the T20 World Cup when Ishan Kishan was preferred as opener and Rinku Singh was in favour.

But Samson has contributed consecutive Player of the Match performances to help guide India into the final of the T20 World Cup against New Zealand, with his most recent innings coming in the knockout semi-final with England in Mumbai when he struck seven sixes in a superb knock of 89.

While Samson's upturn in form has surprised many, Shastri has not been taken aback with the recent output of the hard-hitting right-hander as the former India coach has noticed a clear shift with his approach.

Shastri believes Samson is more mentally tough when batting and his recent results at the T20 World Cup have been due to this shift.

"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."

And while Samson has shown glimpses of his prowess in the past, Shastri believes his best form is still ahead given his role in the India team is now 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 the form of Samson has been a pleasant surprise for India, the recent efforts of fellow opener Abhishek Sharma are of some concern heading into Sunday's final of the T20 World Cup against New Zealand.

Abhishek has managed to score just 89 runs from seven innings at the T20 World Cup to date, but Shastri believes it's too late to make a change to India's XI and the No.1 ranked T20I batter must be persisted with in the tournament decider against the Black Caps.

"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'."