Table of Contents
India suffered a 24-run defeat against West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on October 14, leaving the five-match series level at 2-2. Despite the loss, Sanju Samson produced an aggressive innings at the top of the order, scoring 56 off just 23 balls during India's chase of 248.
West Indies posted 247/3 after being asked to bat first, with Shai Hope scoring an unbeaten century. India fought back through Samson, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy, but Romario Shepherd's dismissal of Tilak proved crucial as the hosts fell short. After the match, Samson discussed India's bowling resources, the decisive moment in the chase and his own performance.
India not missing Jasprit Bumrah in West Indies T20Is, feels Sanju Samson
India have been without Jasprit Bumrah for the ongoing T20I series against West Indies, but Sanju Samson believes the team has enough promising options to support its bowling attack. While acknowledging Bumrah's unique ability, the wicketkeeper-batter praised Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav for their recent performances.
Samson was asked whether India were missing the experienced fast bowler, who remains one of the team's most dependable options in the format. He stressed that Bumrah cannot be replaced directly but backed the younger bowlers to improve with more opportunities.
"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. But we have had some really good talent coming along also; Arshdeep [Singh] has been doing a great job, and also the way Prince Yadav has bowled in the last few games is very impressive. I feel we have some really good talent. The more we play them, the more we back them, the better they will become," Samson said.
The turning point of the match was when Tilak got out - Sanju Samson
India had a difficult start to the chase after losing five wickets, but Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy revived their hopes with an important partnership. The pair attacked the West Indies bowlers and brought the equation down to 48 runs from 19 balls before Shepherd dismissed Tilak.
Sanju Samson identified that wicket as the decisive moment, explaining that India had been scoring consistently and remained in contention while the two batters were together.
"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," he said.
Sanju Samson also praised the pair for taking responsibility under pressure after India's early setbacks.
"That is actually a great thing to have after losing five wickets, having that kind of control - two young cricketers taking on the pressure and taking on the West Indian bowling line-up," he added.
I am actually a bit gutted at the moment - Sanju Samson
The wicketkeeper-batter gave India a flying start with 56 off 23 deliveries, striking six fours and four sixes. However, his innings could not translate into a victory, and the batter admitted that the defeat had taken away some 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," he said.
Samson explained that the steep target required an attacking approach rather than hesitation at the crease.
"I definitely wanted to be on the winning side. I really enjoyed batting out there. When you are chasing a score like that, there are no second thoughts - you just have to back your instincts, your power game, and that is what I did. So I really enjoyed the knock, but I would have liked to be on the winning side," he added.
Also Read: Arshdeep Singh injury update: Sanju Samson reveals status ahead of IND vs WI 5th T20I
