Sanju Samson has identified Tilak Varma’s dismissal as the turning point in India’s 24-run defeat against the West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad. Despite a strong batting effort, India failed to chase down the challenging target of 248 runs, setting up a series-deciding fifth T20I in Bengaluru.
Chasing 248 on a relaid surface, India were struggling at 130 for five in the 12th over. However, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy revived the chase with an impressive partnership, bringing India within 48 runs of victory from the final 19 deliveries.
The momentum shifted when Romario Shepherd dismissed Tilak, leaving India’s hopes of completing the chase in jeopardy.
Speaking after the match, Samson said, “The turning point of the match was when Tilak got out. We were cruising, scoring those 10-12 runs per over really nicely. Reddy and Tilak were batting really well in the pressure situation. Till that moment, I think we were in the chase.”
Samson also praised the two young batters for handling the pressure after India had lost five wickets. He highlighted their ability to challenge the West Indies bowling attack and keep the team in contention during a difficult run chase.
Samson Shines with the Bat Despite Defeat
Earlier in the innings, Samson provided India with a flying start, scoring 56 runs off just 23 deliveries. His aggressive knock helped establish the foundation for the chase, but the Indian batter admitted that the defeat had taken away much of the satisfaction from his performance.
“Whatever you do feels very different when you are on the losing side, so I am actually a bit gutted at the moment. I definitely wanted to be on the winning side,” Samson said.
He added that chasing such a big target required him to trust his instincts and play his natural attacking game.
Samson Backs India’s Bowling Talent
When asked whether India were missing Jasprit Bumrah in the bowling attack, Samson described the experienced pacer as a once-in-a-generation bowler and stressed that there was no direct replacement for him.
“There is no replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. He is a once-in-a-generation kind of bowler, and we are very lucky to have him,” Samson said.
However, he expressed confidence in India’s emerging bowling talent, praising Arshdeep Singh for his consistent performances and Prince Yadav for his impressive bowling in recent matches.
Samson believes that giving young bowlers more opportunities and backing them consistently will help them develop and perform better at the international level.
Arshdeep Singh’s Fitness Becomes a Concern
India also face a potential injury concern ahead of the series-deciding fifth T20I. During the final over of the chase, Arshdeep Singh was struck on his left shoulder by a short delivery from Shamar Joseph.
Despite appearing to be in considerable pain, the pacer stayed on the field to face one more delivery before retiring hurt.
Providing an update on Arshdeep’s condition, Samson said, “Arshdeep is putting ice on his shoulder. Hopefully he recovers soon.”
India will now turn their attention to the fifth and final T20I, scheduled to be played in Bengaluru on Saturday. With the series on the line, the team will hope to bounce back from the Hyderabad defeat and deliver a strong performance in the decisive encounter.