Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed strong confidence in Sanju Samson delivering a memorable performance in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand national cricket team. The highly anticipated final will take place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Samson has been one of India’s standout performers during the tournament. The right handed batter has delivered impressive performances throughout the competition and currently ranks as the third highest run scorer for India behind Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.
During the Super 8 stage Samson produced an outstanding unbeaten 97 against the West Indies cricket team in Kolkata. He followed that performance with another crucial innings scoring 89 runs against the England cricket team in the semi final held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Despite being close to a century against England Samson chose to accelerate his scoring for the team’s benefit and eventually lost his wicket to Will Jacks while attempting aggressive shots.
Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat Ashwin said he believes Samson could finish the tournament with a spectacular innings in the final. According to him Samson’s success may depend on how effectively he handles the early bowling spell from New Zealand pacer Matt Henry.
Ashwin shared that he had earlier predicted Samson might end the tournament with multiple centuries and although that prediction has not fully materialised he still expects a major innings from the batter in the final clash.
Samson’s journey in the tournament has also been interesting. He did not start the competition in the playing XI as the team initially selected Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan as openers. However Samson got his opportunity when Abhishek Sharma missed a game due to illness and he scored 22 runs against Namibia national cricket team.
Although he was later dropped once Sharma returned Samson eventually made his way back into the squad due to the team’s struggle against off spin bowling. After a quick 24 run knock against Zimbabwe national cricket team in the Super 8 stage he found his rhythm with two remarkable innings against West Indies and England.
So far Samson has accumulated 232 runs from four matches in the tournament making him one of India’s most impactful players in the competition.
His impressive form has also caught the attention of the International Cricket Council which has shortlisted him for the Player of the Tournament award. Other contenders for the prestigious honour include Will Jacks Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan and South Africa captain Aiden Markram.
With the final approaching fans are eager to see whether Samson can produce a match winning innings and guide India to another historic T20 World Cup triumph.
