Sanju Samson Says Tilak Varma’s Wicket Turned The Tide In India’s T20I Loss To West Indies

Sanju Samson has identified Tilak Varma’s dismissal as the turning point in India’s 24-run defeat to the West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday. India looked capable of chasing down the target of 249 after Tilak and Nitish Kumar Reddy revived the innings with a crucial partnership, but Romario Shepherd’s breakthrough changed the course of the match.

With 48 runs required from 19 balls, Shepherd dismissed Tilak, leaving India’s lower order with a difficult task. The hosts eventually fell short, allowing the West Indies to level the five-match series 2-2.

“The turning point of the match was when Tilak got out. We were cruising through the game; we were scoring those 10-20 runs really nicely, Reddy and Tilak were taking the pressure, and they were batting really well, so till that moment we were in the chase,” Samson told reporters after the match.

Sanju Samson Praises Tilak Varma And Nitish Kumar Reddy

India were struggling at 130/5 when Tilak and Reddy came together, needing another 118 runs from 50 deliveries. The pair mounted an impressive counterattack, putting pressure on the West Indies bowlers and keeping India’s hopes alive.

Samson praised the young batters for showing composure despite the difficult situation.

“That is a great thing to have actually, even after losing five wickets: having that kind of control, with two young cricketers taking on the pressure and the West Indian bowling lineup,” he said.

However, Tilak’s departure proved decisive, and India could not maintain the momentum in the closing overs.

Acknowledging that mistakes are part of the game, Samson said the team needed to remain positive despite the defeat.

“To be very honest, these things happen; mistakes are bound to happen. We just have to keep going and be positive,” he added.

Samson Defends Abhishek Sharma And Ishan Kishan

India’s other top-order batters had a relatively quiet outing. Ishan Kishan scored six runs off three balls, while Abhishek Sharma managed 29 off 24 deliveries.

Samson, however, backed both players, pointing to their recent performances and overall quality.

“Ishan and Abhishek are the world’s best top two batters; you can’t ask anything more of them. One game is okay; Abhishek just scored a really good 70 in the last game, and Ishan is consistently scoring a lot of runs, so I think one game is totally fine,” he said.

While his fellow batters struggled to make significant contributions, Samson gave India an explosive start with a 23-ball 56. Despite his half-century, the opener was disappointed that his performance could not help the team secure victory.

“It 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; I think my contribution should have been on the winning side,” Samson said.

Reflecting on his approach during the steep chase, he added that backing his natural game was essential.

“I really enjoyed batting down there. When you are chasing a score like that, there is no second thought; you just have to back your instincts, you have to back your power-playing game, and that is what I did actually,” he said.

India vs West Indies: Series Decider In Bengaluru

With the fourth T20I victory, the West Indies levelled the series 2-2, setting up a decisive fifth match in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Samson said India were eager to respond and acknowledged the visitors’ performances in the series.

“We are very charged up; we want to go out there and compete against them. They have been playing some really great cricket; you need to give credit to the West Indies for how they have come to our home ground and dominated two games. It’s a final, so let’s see how it goes,” he concluded.

The series decider will determine which side takes the T20I series, with India looking to recover from their Hyderabad setback and the West Indies aiming to complete a comeback on Indian soil.