Sanju Samson Backs India's Opening Pair and Praises Shai Hope's Composed Century

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has defended the team's opening combination after West Indies levelled the five-match T20I series with a 24-run victory in Hyderabad. While acknowledging Shai Hope's outstanding batting, Samson expressed confidence in Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma, insisting that one difficult match should not overshadow their contributions throughout the series.

West Indies posted 247/3 after Hope struck an unbeaten 102 from 50 balls. India responded with 223 before being bowled out, leaving the contest tied at 2-2. The result has raised the stakes for the fifth and final T20I in Bengaluru on October 17.

Samson Appreciates Hope's Controlled Approach

Samson praised Hope's ability to combine attacking intent with sensible shot selection. Rather than relying entirely on high-risk strokes, the West Indies captain found scoring opportunities while maintaining control of the innings.

Hope registered his second T20I century in three games, reinforcing his importance to the West Indies batting order. His unbeaten innings provided the foundation for a total that put India under pressure from the beginning of their chase.

Samson acknowledged that India's bowlers and batters would need to find effective ways to counter Hope in the deciding match. The West Indies captain's consistency has become a significant factor in the series, particularly as his team prepares for another high-pressure encounter.

Samson Stands Behind Kishan and Abhishek

India's opening pair had contrasting experiences in the fourth T20I. Samson himself attacked aggressively, scoring 56 from 23 deliveries, while Abhishek Sharma made 29 from 24 balls. Ishan Kishan was dismissed for six after a brief stay at the crease.

Despite the disappointing returns, Samson was firm in his support for both players. He pointed to Abhishek's 69 in the previous match and Kishan's strong run of performances as reasons not to judge them on one innings.

The backing is significant ahead of the series decider, where India's top order will again be expected to provide a rapid start. Against a West Indies attack that has shown its ability to take wickets in clusters, India will need both positive intent and better partnerships to sustain a long chase.

Samson's Fast Start Could Not Carry India Home

Chasing a target of 248, Samson took the initiative during the opening overs. His 56 off 23 balls helped India race to 60 without losing a wicket in the first four overs, giving the hosts an encouraging start in a demanding run chase.

Samson explained that chasing such a large total required batters to trust their instincts and play their natural attacking game. Although he enjoyed his innings, he admitted that the performance would have felt better had India secured the victory.

Keemo Paul's intervention changed the momentum. After Samson's dismissal, India lost further wickets and struggled to maintain the scoring rate required. The early aggression had given the hosts hope, but West Indies eventually found ways to disrupt the chase.

Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy Keep India Alive

India were in trouble at 130/5 when Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy joined forces. The pair added 70 runs, combining attacking strokes with composure under pressure and briefly bringing India back into the contest.

Samson highlighted their partnership as an encouraging sign for the team. Even after losing five wickets, India remained competitive because the two young batters were able to challenge the West Indies bowlers and keep the required rate within reach.

The partnership ended when Tilak was dismissed late in the 17th over, followed by Reddy in the 19th. Their departures left India without the momentum needed to complete the chase, and the innings ended at 223.

West Indies Earn Credit for Their Performance

Samson also acknowledged the quality of the visiting side, noting that West Indies had performed strongly in two matches on Indian soil. Hope's century provided the batting platform, while Paul's five-wicket haul proved decisive when India attempted to fight back.

The visitors' ability to respond after India moved ahead in the series has made the final match particularly important. West Indies will carry confidence into Bengaluru, while India will look to improve their execution with both bat and ball.

All Eyes on the Bengaluru Decider

The five-match series now comes down to the final T20I, scheduled for October 17 in Bengaluru. Samson said India were motivated to compete and ready to respond after the defeat.

For India, the priorities will be to contain Hope, maintain pressure through the middle overs and convert a promising start into a match-winning chase. Samson's support for Kishan and Abhishek suggests the team is unlikely to lose confidence in its top order after one difficult outing.

West Indies, meanwhile, will aim to reproduce the discipline and composure that earned them victory in Hyderabad. With the series tied at 2-2, the decider promises a compelling finish, with both teams having a clear opportunity to claim the series.