Mumbai: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has praised Sanju Samson for stepping up as India’s batting leader during the T20 World Cup 2026, especially at a time when opening batter Abhishek Sharma has struggled to find form in the tournament.

Samson continued his impressive run in the competition with a crucial 89-run knock against England in the semi-final, following up on the 97 he had scored earlier against the West Indies. His consistent performances have played a key role in helping India reach the final of the tournament.

With 232 runs from four matches, Samson currently boasts an outstanding average of 77.33 and a remarkable strike rate of 201.73, making him one of the most influential players in India’s campaign.

Pathan praises Samson’s approach against Archer

Speaking on his YouTube channel after the semi-final, Pathan highlighted Samson’s tactical approach while facing England pacer Jofra Archer.

According to Pathan, Samson handled Archer’s pace intelligently rather than trying to overpower the bowler.

“Before this match, that match-up looked troublesome. But Samson didn’t fight Archer’s pace — he embraced it,” Pathan said.

He pointed out that Samson focused on playing shots behind square, particularly when the ball was outside the leg stump. This strategy allowed him to counter Archer’s pace effectively.

“There were slower balls too, so he didn’t force shots straight. Instead, he targeted the leg side on shorter lengths,” Pathan explained.

Pathan also referred to a key moment in the match when England missed a chance to dismiss Samson.

Harry Brook dropped a catch offered by Samson during Archer’s spell, giving the Indian batter a crucial lifeline.

Momentum-changing shots impress Pathan

After surviving that moment, Samson shifted gears and produced some spectacular strokes that impressed the former India all-rounder.

Pathan particularly highlighted Samson’s back-foot six against a slower delivery from Archer, which sailed through the off-side.

“But after that, the shots Samson played — especially the back-foot six against Archer’s slower ball through the off side — were outstanding,” Pathan said.

He added that Samson’s ability to maintain momentum throughout the innings played a significant role in putting pressure on the England bowlers.

Samson’s form affecting England’s bowling plans

Pathan also noted that Samson’s aggressive batting disrupted England’s bowling strategy during the closing stages of the match.

According to him, England delayed bringing part-time spinner Will Jacks into the attack because of the pressure created by Samson and Shivam Dube.

“The way Samson is batting now, it feels like he has taken responsibility upon himself,” Pathan said.

He suggested that Samson’s strong performances have filled the gap created by Abhishek Sharma’s lack of runs in the tournament.

“Abhishek Sharma isn’t scoring runs, so Samson seems to have decided that he will take charge and lead the team forward. The momentum he maintains is commendable,” Pathan explained.

When England captain Harry Brook eventually introduced Will Jacks in the final over, India capitalised on the decision.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya smashed two sixes off Jacks, a move Pathan described as a tactical error forced by India’s batting dominance.

“That wrong move was forced by Samson and Shivam Dube,” he said.

Abhishek Sharma struggling in the tournament

While Samson has been in excellent form, Abhishek Sharma has endured a difficult campaign in the tournament so far.

The left-handed opener scored just nine runs against England in the semi-final and has managed only 89 runs in seven matches overall.

His inconsistent performances have been a concern for the Indian team management, especially with the final approaching.

However, the team has continued to back the young batter despite the lean patch.

Samson backs his opening partner

Despite the criticism surrounding Abhishek’s form, Samson publicly defended his teammate after the semi-final victory.

Speaking to reporters, the wicketkeeper-batter said the Indian dressing room continues to have faith in Abhishek.

“We have a great dressing-room environment. Our leaders have a lot of faith in Abhishek and we’re all supporting him,” Samson said.

He emphasised that fluctuations in form are natural in cricket, especially in the fast-paced T20 format.

“Every player goes through ups and downs. It may just take a couple of good shots in the middle and everything can change in this format,” he said.

Samson expressed confidence that Abhishek could still play an important role in the final.

“We still believe in him, and who knows — maybe the final will be his day,” he added.

India prepare for T20 World Cup final

India will now face New Zealand in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.

The team will rely heavily on Samson’s red-hot form as they aim to clinch the title.

With the batting order finding momentum at the right time and the team showing confidence despite a few individual struggles, India enters the final with strong hopes of lifting the trophy.

For Samson, the final presents another opportunity to cement his role as one of India’s most reliable performers in the shortest format of the game.

Conclusion

Sanju Samson’s outstanding performances in the T20 World Cup 2026 have not only propelled India into the final but also positioned him as the team’s key batting leader. As India prepares to face New Zealand in the title clash, his form and composure could prove decisive in determining the outcome of the tournament.