15 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Indian 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 T20 International in Hyderabad on Wednesday, October 14. Samson said India were still in contention during the run chase while Tilak and Nitish Kumar Reddy were building an important partnership.
West Indies scored 247 runs for three wickets in their allotted 20 overs, setting India a challenging target of 248. In response, India were bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs, allowing the visitors to level the five-match series at 2-2.
Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy Revive India’s Chase
India made an aggressive start to the chase, with Samson scoring 56 runs off just 23 deliveries. His innings included six fours and four sixes, helping India get off to a flying start.
However, the hosts lost wickets during the middle overs and found themselves at 130 for five in the 12th over. Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy then joined forces and launched a counterattack against the West Indies bowling attack.
The pair put together a 70-run partnership off just 32 deliveries, bringing India back into the contest. Their aggressive batting reduced the target to 48 runs from the final 19 balls, giving the hosts a realistic opportunity to pull off a remarkable victory.
Samson Explains the Turning Point
Speaking after the match, Samson said Tilak’s dismissal changed the momentum of the chase. He explained that Tilak and Reddy were scoring consistently and putting pressure on the opposition bowlers.
Samson said India were still in the contest until Tilak was dismissed, highlighting the importance of the partnership after the team had lost five wickets.
Tilak scored 43 runs off 25 balls before being dismissed by Romario Shepherd. His departure left India needing a substantial number of runs with fewer recognised batters available, and the West Indies quickly regained control of the match.
Samson also acknowledged that mistakes are part of the game and stressed the importance of remaining positive after a defeat. Despite the loss, he expressed satisfaction with the fight shown by the younger batters during a difficult chase.
West Indies Dominate with Bat and Ball
Earlier, West Indies captain Shai Hope delivered a match-winning performance, scoring an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls. His innings helped the visitors post a formidable total on a batting-friendly surface.
Keemo Paul also played a crucial role with the ball, claiming five wickets as India struggled to complete the chase. The West Indies bowlers capitalised on important breakthroughs to prevent India from building the partnerships needed to reach the target.
India Prepare for Series Decider
With the victory, West Indies levelled the five-match series 2-2, setting up a decisive fifth T20I in Bengaluru on October 17.
Samson said the Indian team remained motivated and ready for the series decider. He also praised the West Indies for their performances during the series, acknowledging that the visitors had played competitive cricket in India.