Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed optimism in Indian batting star Sanju Samson's ability to lead India in T20Is. The experienced batter demonstrated his tremendous potential during India's must-win Super 8 showdown against West Indies, where he smashed an imperious 97 not out from 50 balls to take India over the line at Eden Gardens. 

He followed that up with gutsy knocks of 89 and 89 in the semi-final and final against England and New Zealand, respectively, to launch his side to the title win. Now, Shastri has thrown his weight behind Samson to succeed Suryakumar Yadav, who led India to the T20 World Cup title win at home, as the captain of the India T20 side if there is a change in leadership ahead of the T20 World Cup 2028. Moreover, Samson carries an ample amount of leadership experience, having led Rajasthan Royals in the IPL for five seasons. 

“India, come the next (T20) World Cup (in 2028), might be looking for a new captain, depending on how Surya goes over the next couple of years,” Shastri said on The ICC Review. 

“But Sanju Samson has put himself there for a leadership role because he's done that in the past for Rajasthan (Royals)," Shastri said.

Samson has carried his explosive form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) too, emerging as the top-scorer for CSK in the tournament. So far, he has cracked two centuries in the league, with Shastri feeling that Samson will be a guaranteed pick at the top of the order. 

“And he’s a certainty in the side, at the top of the order, extremely destructive. So I see him, this is just the start of something more you’ll see from Sanju over the next two or three years. I think he (Samson) has put a lid on all those question marks. There was always ability. People would, in fact, be disappointed because he wouldn’t do justice to that ability,” Shastri said.

"But my word this season, the way he’s played after his performance in the T20 World Cup where single-handedly he almost won India games, the big games, the quarter-finals (West Indies, Super 8), semi-finals, the final, and the way he stepped up and the maturity he’s showing now in the IPL, makes him a clear case as far as I’m concerned for leadership in the future," Shastri stated.