West Indies posted 247/3 in the 4th T20I at Hyderabad on October 14, 2026, after being asked to bat first. India were bowled out for 223 in reply, losing the match by 24 runs.
Sanju Samson gave India a flying start, scoring 56 runs off 23 balls with six fours and four sixes before being caught by Shimron Hetmyer off Keemo Paul's bowling. Samson and Abhishek Sharma had put on a 50-run partnership in just 19 balls at the top of the order, but once Samson departed, India's chase lost its momentum. Former India pacer and commentator Varun Aaron identified Samson's dismissal as the key moment in the match, reflecting on how Samson had batted before his dismissal.
"Sanju is one of those batters, when he gets going, everything looks so easy, and today (Wednesday), I think that wicket caused India's downfall. India rely on him and Abhishek Sharma. Abhishek was a bit scratchy today, which can happen sometimes, but Sanju Samson is extremely key to this Indian batting. Sanju was a different batter before and after the bouncer. The moment that bouncer hit him, it was like it completely awakened something from within, and then he batted so fluently. Just timed the ball. It was Sanju Samson at his best," Aaron said on JioStar.
Why did Abhishek Sharma struggle to build on the opening stand?
Abhishek Sharma scored 29 runs off 24 balls with three fours and one six, a relatively measured contribution given the required run rate. He was eventually dismissed by Gudakesh Motie. Aaron pointed out that Abhishek had faced very few deliveries while Samson was dominating the partnership, which left him without the rhythm he typically needs to accelerate.
"Sometimes you don't get rhythm. When Sanju Samson was on 40, Abhishek had played just two balls. If you see Abhishek's general way of building an innings, he loves to just get into a rhythm," Aaron said.
How did Keemo Paul and Roston Chase restrict India's lower order?
Keemo Paul was the standout bowler for West Indies, taking five wickets for 41 runs. His dismissal of Samson was among the most significant moments of the innings, removing India's most dangerous batter at a stage when the chase was still very much alive. Roston Chase also played a key role in slowing India's progress, particularly against Abhishek. Aaron noted that Chase has consistently troubled the left-hander and did so again in Hyderabad.
"He couldn't get into a rhythm today, and again, the moment he was getting into rhythm, he faced his nemesis in the form of Roston Chase. Roston Chase has bowled really well against him. He bowled well today. Yes, that one 25-run over was quite a big over, but after that, he hardly gave the Indian batters a quarter," Aaron added.
