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Sanju Samson backs India's top order, lauds Shai Hope's steadiness

India’s captain Sanju Samson defended his top-order batsmen after a 24-run loss to West Indies in the fourth T20I at Hyderabad, despite a dominant 248-run total from the visitors. Shai Hope’s second T20I century in three matches anchored the West Indies’ innings, showcasing his ability to blend aggression with disciplined shot selection.

Samson praised Hope’s composure, acknowledging the challenge he poses to India’s bowlers while expressing confidence in his team’s ability to adapt in the series decider in Bengaluru on October 17.

Though opener Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma faced a rough patch in this match, Samson reaffirmed their status as two of the world’s best at the top of the order, pointing to Sharma’s recent 69 and Kishan’s consistent run-scoring. India’s middle-order partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy, who added 70 runs under pressure, kept the chase alive even after losing five wickets.

Samson highlighted their composure as a testament to the depth in India’s batting lineup, setting the stage for a competitive final match against a West Indies side playing at a high standard.

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