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Sunil Gavaskar identifies Sanju Samson's approach that worked before West Indies dismissal

During the fourth encounter of the five-match T20I series at Hyderabad on October 14, 2026, West Indies triumphed over India by a margin of 24 runs to level the series at 2-2. The visiting squad established a formidable total of 247 for 3, propelled by Shai Hope with an unbeaten 102 and Alick Athanaze contributing 49.

India attempted to chase the target but concluded their innings at 223, as Keemo Paul secured 5 wickets for 41 runs alongside Gudakesh Motie who claimed 2 for 13. Sanju Samson spearheaded the chase with an aggressive 56 from 23 deliveries, hitting six boundaries and four sixes, before falling to a delivery from Paul caught by Hetmyer.

Abhishek Sharma also participated in the innings, adding 29 runs from 24 balls. Analyzing the performance on Star Sports, former captain Sunil Gavaskar noted that Samson initially succeeded by playing straight shots in the V, which forced the bowlers to shorten their lengths and allowed him to score square of the wicket.

Gavaskar also remarked that a lack of strike rotation during their partnership negatively impacted Sharma's rhythm.

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