Sanju Samson Backs India Top Order After Hyderabad Defeat

Sanju Samson backed India’s top order and praised Shai Hope’s composed batting after West Indies levelled the T20I series with a 24-run victory in Hyderabad. Hope, the West Indies captain, registered his second T20I century in three games as his side posted a total that left India facing a chase of 248.

India were eventually bowled out for 223, but Samson said the scale of the target meant the hosts could not afford to have batters simply anchor the innings. The result sends the series to a decider in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17.

Samson credits Hope and explains India’s approach

Samson said India had to acknowledge the quality of Hope’s recent form, describing the West Indies captain’s innings as one built on steadiness rather than excessive risk. He pointed to Hope’s shot selection and his respect for the bowling as key features of his batting.

“He is playing really well, we need to respect what he has been doing,” Samson said. “He has been playing some really good cricketing shots, not taking that much risk, so he is respecting the bowlers as well. We need to give the credit to him for the way he is batting and we are definitely switched on how to respond to him every game.”

Samson gave India a rapid beginning in the pursuit, taking on much of the strike through the first four overs. He raced to 56 from 23 balls before falling at the start of the fifth over, setting the early tempo as India attempted to keep pace with the demanding target.

He said the circumstances left no room for hesitation. “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,” Samson said.

Although he enjoyed his own contribution, Samson was disappointed that it did not come in a winning cause. “I really enjoyed the knock, but I would have liked it to be on the winning side,” he added.

India’s chase then lost momentum as Abhishek Sharma made 29 from 24 deliveries, his lowest strike rate in a T20I innings in which he has faced more than 20 balls. Ishan Kishan was also dismissed early despite his strong year with the bat.

Samson, however, offered firm support to both players. “Ishan and Abhishek Sharma are the world’s best top two batters, I think you cannot ask anything more out of them, one game is okay,” he said. He noted Abhishek’s 70 from 69 in the previous game and said Kishan had been consistently scoring runs.

Varma and Reddy keep India in contention

India slipped to 130 for 5 in the 12th over, but Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy restored hope with a 70-run partnership. Samson said their stand ensured the hosts remained in the contest despite the loss of five wickets.

“When Tilak and Reddy were batting, we were still in the game,” Samson said. He praised the pair for handling the pressure and taking on the West Indian bowling line-up, calling it a positive sign that two young cricketers could retain control of the chase in that situation.

The partnership ended when Varma was dismissed at the end of the 17th over, while Reddy fell in the 19th. India were subsequently bowled out for 223, finishing 24 runs short as West Indies completed a series-levelling win.

Samson said India are ready for the deciding match in Bengaluru, while also crediting West Indies for their performances in India. “It all comes down to Bangalore game now, we are very charged up, we want to go out there and compete against them,” he said. “They have been playing some really great cricket, you need to give credit to the West Indian cricket, how they have come here in our home ground and dominated two games. Now it is a final, so let us see how it goes.”