Samson Pinpoints Tilak’s Wicket as the Turning Point in Hyderabad Thriller

Hyderabad: India’s pursuit of 248 on a relaid surface in Hyderabad was never going to be straightforward. But for much of the chase, it appeared they might pull it off. Sanju Samson, whose blistering 56 off 23 balls set the platform, believes the match turned on a single moment.

Chasing a mammoth target, India slipped to 130 for 5 in the 12th over. The chase appeared to be unravelling. Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy, two young cricketers entrusted with a formidable task, steadied the innings and kept India within touching distance. The pair brought the equation down to 48 runs from 19 balls, a scenario that kept the hosts firmly in the contest.

Then Romario Shepherd removed Tilak. The momentum shifted irrevocably.

“The turning point of the match was when Tilak got out,” Samson said after West Indies secured a 24-run victory. “We were cruising, scoring those 10-12 runs per over really nicely. Reddy and Tilak were batting really well in the pressure situation. Till that moment, I think we were in the chase.”

“That is actually a great thing to have after losing five wickets, having that kind of control – two young cricketers taking on the pressure and taking on the West Indian bowling line-up.”

Samson’s Blitz Comes in Vain

Samson had earlier provided the innings with its early momentum, striking 56 from just 23 deliveries. His approach was uncomplicated. With a target of that magnitude, hesitation was not an option.

“Whatever you do feels very different when you are on the losing side, so I am actually a bit gutted at the moment,” he said. “I definitely wanted to be on the winning side. I really enjoyed batting out there. When you are chasing a score like that, there are no second thoughts – you just have to back your instincts, your power game, and that is what I did. So I really enjoyed the knock, but I would have liked to be on the winning side.”

No Replacement for Bumrah

Asked whether India felt the absence of Jasprit Bumrah with the ball, Samson was unequivocal.

“There is no replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. He is a once-in-a-generation kind of bowler, and we are very lucky to have him. But we have had some really good talent coming along also; Arshdeep [Singh] has been doing a great job, and also the way Prince Yadav has bowled in the last few games is very impressive. I feel we have some really good talent. The more we play them, the more we back them, the better they will become.”

Arshdeep Concern Ahead of Decider

India’s concerns extend beyond the defeat. In the final over of the chase, Arshdeep Singh was struck on the left shoulder by a short ball from Shamar Joseph. He looked in serious pain but remained at the crease to face one more delivery before retiring hurt.

“Arshdeep is putting ice on his shoulder,” Samson said. “Hopefully he recovers soon.”

The series now hangs in the balance at 2-2, with the deciding fifth T20I scheduled for Saturday in Bengaluru. For India, the task is clear: regroup, recover, and find a way to contain a West Indian batting line-up that has posted a formidable total on a surface that offered little respite to the bowlers. For Samson and his teammates, the Hyderabad defeat will linger, but the opportunity to seal the series remains within reach.

                                               

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