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’.”