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Sanju Samson on India’s Defeat: Tilak Varma’s Wicket Changed the Game; Arshdeep Injury Update

Posted on 15th Oct 2026 10:35 am by rohit kumar

India wicketkeeper-batter 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. Samson said India were firmly in the chase before Tilak’s wicket shifted the momentum in the visitors’ favour. He also provided an update on pacer Arshdeep Singh, who suffered a painful blow during the final over.

 

The defeat on Wednesday, October 14, levelled the five-match T20I series at 2-2, setting up a series decider in Bengaluru. Samson scored a quickfire 56 off just 23 balls, while Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy attempted to revive India’s chase with a crucial sixth-wicket partnership.

 

Tilak Varma’s Wicket Changed the Match, Says Sanju Samson

 

Speaking after the match, Samson pointed to Tilak’s dismissal as the decisive moment in India’s unsuccessful run chase.

 

“The turning point was when Tilak got out. We were in a good position in the match,” Samson said.

 

He explained that India were scoring at a healthy rate and that Tilak and Nitish Kumar Reddy had handled the pressure effectively.

 

“We were scoring 10–20 runs quite easily. Reddy and Tilak were handling the pressure well and batting beautifully. Up until that point, we were very much in the hunt during the run chase,” Samson added.

 

India still needed 48 runs from 19 balls when Romario Shepherd dismissed Tilak, who had scored 43 off 25 deliveries. The wicket proved costly for the hosts as the required run rate climbed and the lower order struggled to finish the chase.

 

West Indies eventually secured a 24-run victory, keeping the series alive and making the fifth T20I a winner-takes-all contest.

 

India vs West Indies 4th T20I: Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy Build a 70-Run Stand

 

India were under considerable pressure after losing five wickets for 130 runs while chasing a target of 248. With 118 runs still required from 50 balls, the contest appeared to be slipping away from the hosts.

 

Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy responded with an aggressive partnership, adding 70 runs from just 32 balls for the sixth wicket. Their counterattack brought India back into contention and put pressure on the West Indies bowlers.

 

Samson viewed the partnership as an encouraging sign, particularly because the two batters managed the situation after the team had lost half its side.

 

However, Tilak’s departure left India needing a substantial contribution from the remaining batters in the final overs. The West Indies attack capitalised on the breakthrough and prevented India from completing the chase.

 

Samson acknowledged that mistakes are part of cricket and urged the team to remain positive rather than dwell on the defeat.

 

Sanju Samson Defends Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma

 

Samson also backed Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma after their relatively modest contributions in the fourth T20I.

 

Ishan scored six runs off three balls, while Abhishek made 29 off 24 deliveries. Their performances came under scrutiny as India fell short in a high-scoring chase.

 

Samson, however, stressed that one difficult outing should not overshadow their overall ability and recent performances.

 

He highlighted Abhishek’s 70-run contribution in the previous match and pointed to Ishan’s recent run-scoring form, saying both players are capable of bouncing back.

 

His comments reflected the importance of maintaining confidence in the batting unit ahead of the series decider. With the final match carrying significant weight, India will be hoping their top order can provide a stronger platform.

 

Sanju Samson Scores 56 off 23 Balls in India’s Chase

 

Samson was one of India’s standout performers with the bat, scoring 56 runs from just 23 deliveries. His aggressive innings gave India early momentum while chasing the West Indies’ imposing total of 247/3.

 

The wicketkeeper-batter said he enjoyed batting during the chase but was disappointed that his contribution did not result in a victory.

 

Samson explained that a demanding target leaves little time for overthinking and requires batters to stay positive and keep scoring.

 

Despite his brisk half-century, India were unable to maintain the required scoring rate through the closing stages. The West Indies bowlers continued to take wickets at crucial moments, with Keemo Paul claiming five wickets to play a decisive role in the result.

 

Arshdeep Singh Injury Update: Samson Hopes for Quick Recovery

 

Arshdeep Singh’s injury became another major talking point after the fourth T20I. The India pacer was struck by a fast delivery from Shamar Joseph during the final over of the chase and appeared to be in considerable discomfort.

 

Samson provided a brief update after the match, saying Arshdeep was icing his shoulder and expressing hope that he would recover quickly.

 

The injury occurred at a particularly difficult moment for India, as Arshdeep was unable to continue batting. His condition will be closely monitored ahead of the series-deciding match.

 

However, Samson’s comments did not confirm whether the left-arm pacer would be fit to play the final T20I. His availability will depend on the team's medical assessment and recovery progress.

 

India vs West Indies Series Level at 2-2: Decider Awaits

 

The West Indies’ 24-run win in Hyderabad levelled the five-match series at 2-2. India now face a must-win contest in the final match if they are to secure the series.

 

Samson said the team remained motivated and was ready for the challenge ahead. The immediate focus will be on learning from the fourth T20I, improving execution during the chase and assessing Arshdeep’s fitness.

 

India will also want greater consistency from the top order, while the middle order will be expected to build on the promising partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

 

The fourth T20I demonstrated how quickly a high-scoring chase can change direction. For Samson, Tilak’s dismissal was the key moment—but India’s hopes in the final match will depend on the entire team delivering under pressure.

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