Sanju Samson reveals how Tilak Varma’s dismissal changed the game as India lost the 4th T20I against West Indies by 24 runs.
India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has revealed how the team lost its grip on the fourth T20 International against West Indies despite being in a strong position during the run chase. Samson pointed to Tilak Varma’s dismissal as a crucial moment that changed the momentum of the match, allowing the visitors to secure a 24-run victory.
The fourth T20I witnessed a high-scoring contest, with West Indies posting an imposing 247/3 in 20 overs. India responded with an aggressive batting approach but could only manage 223/9, leaving the five-match series level at 2-2.
Sanju Samson Identifies the Turning Point
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sanju Samson explained that India had to attack from the beginning while chasing a target close to 250 runs. According to him, the team could not afford to spend too much time building a traditional innings because of the demanding run rate.
Samson started the chase positively with a half-century, giving India hope of pulling off a remarkable victory. However, the team needed continued contributions from the middle order to maintain the required scoring rate.
The partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy proved particularly important. The pair added 70 runs from just 32 deliveries, keeping India firmly in contention during a challenging chase.
Samson said the required rate of around 12 to 13 runs per over meant the game was still within India’s reach while the two batters were at the crease.
He also acknowledged that the duo handled pressure effectively and maintained an aggressive approach when the match was entering a decisive phase.
Tilak Varma’s Dismissal Changed the Momentum
According to Samson, Tilak Varma’s wicket in the 17th over was the defining moment of the contest. India had been scoring quickly, and the partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy had raised hopes of a successful chase.
However, Tilak’s departure disrupted India’s momentum at a crucial stage. With the required runs mounting and fewer deliveries remaining, the pressure shifted back onto the Indian batting lineup.
Samson explained that India had been scoring freely during the partnership, with the batters managing to find boundaries and keep the chase alive. He felt the team was still in the game until Tilak was dismissed.
Despite the promising efforts of the top and middle order, India eventually lost wickets at regular intervals and finished 24 runs short of the target.
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Shai Hope’s Century Powers West Indies to Victory
West Indies captain Shai Hope played a leading role in his team’s commanding batting performance. The right-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 102 off just 50 balls, helping the visitors reach 247/3.
Hope’s second century of the series put India under considerable pressure and provided West Indies with a formidable total to defend. His innings combined aggressive stroke play with effective shot selection, making it difficult for the Indian bowlers to contain the scoring rate.
Samson also praised Hope’s current form, acknowledging the quality of his batting and the cricketing shots he has been playing throughout the series.
The Indian team had discussed different strategies in its meetings and experimented with bowling plans in the previous match. Samson noted that some of those adjustments had worked, including Arshdeep Singh’s success in dismissing Hope from around the stumps in the earlier game.
However, Hope’s performance in the fourth T20I demonstrated his ability to respond strongly and put the opposition under pressure.
India and West Indies Level the T20I Series 2-2
The victory helped West Indies level the five-match T20I series 2-2, setting up a decisive final encounter between the two teams.
India will need to address its bowling concerns after conceding 247 runs, while the batting unit will look to convert promising partnerships into a successful chase. The middle order’s response under pressure could prove crucial in the series decider.
For West Indies, Hope’s outstanding form and the team’s ability to defend a massive total will provide confidence heading into the final match.
The series finale is scheduled for Saturday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where both sides will compete for the series win.
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