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As India continue to concede big totals and struggle to defend scores in excess of 200 in the ongoing West Indies T20I series, the absence of ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has once again come into focus.
Sanju Samson acknowledged that Bumrah has no like-for-like replacement, describing him as a once-in-a-generation bowler. However, following Indias 24-run defeat to West Indies, he expressed confidence in the teams pace-bowling depth, praising Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav while stressing that regular opportunities and backing would help young bowlers develop. The ongoing T20I series between India and West Indies has turned into a run-fest, with scores in excess of 200 becoming increasingly difficult to defend. While India cruised to a comfortable eight-wicket win in the opening match after chasing 172, the second T20I in Ranchi exposed their bowling as West Indies chased down a massive 250-run target, reaching 252/4 in just 18.3 overs. India bounced back in the third match, defending 223 to secure a 14-run victory despite West Indies scoring 209/7. However, the hosts once again struggled to contain the opposition in the fourth T20I, as Shai Hopes unbeaten century powered West Indies to 247/3 before India fell 24 runs short. With both teams showcasing their formidable batting firepower, Indias inability to consistently defend massive totals has raised questions about their death bowling and ability to contain aggressive batting line-ups. "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," Samson told the reporters after the match. Samson also identified Tilak Varmas dismissal as the turning point in Indias defeat to West Indies in the fourth T20I, saying India were well placed in the chase with Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy scoring at a steady pace despite losing five wickets. He lauded the young batters for handling pressure and taking on the West Indies bowling attack. Chasing a massive 248 on a relaid surface, India slumped to 130/5 in the 12th over before Varma and Reddy revived the chase with a spirited partnership. The duo brought the equation down to 48 runs off 19 balls, keeping India in contention, but Romario Shepherds dismissal of Varma proved to be a crucial turning point. "The turning point of the match was when Tilak got out. 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 added. The series is now level 2-2, with an exciting decider at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru set for October 17. (ANI)
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