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Sanju Samson has shared a crucial update on Arshdeep Singh after the Indian pacer was hit on the shoulder during the fourth T20I against West Indies at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday. With the five-match series now level at 2-2, India will travel to Bengaluru for the final match, hoping to finish the series with a win and get Arshdeep fit in time.
Arshdeep was struck by a short ball from Shamar Joseph in the final over of India’s chase. The left-arm pacer was in visible pain after the ball hit his left shoulder, and the team physios quickly came onto the field to check on him.
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Speaking at the post-match press conference, Samson said Arshdeep was applying ice to his shoulder and hoped the injury was not serious.
“Arshdeep is putting ice on his shoulders. Hopefully he gets well soon. He got struck by a high-speed ball. Hope he recovers soon,” Samson said.
Arshdeep Forced To Retire After Being Hit By Joseph
India needed 35 runs from the final over with only one wicket left when Joseph bowled a series of short deliveries at Arshdeep. One of the bouncers struck the Indian pacer on his left shoulder, leaving him struggling with the pain.
The incident drew criticism from some observers, who questioned Joseph’s decision to continue bowling bouncers when India had little chance of reaching the target.
Arshdeep tried to carry on batting despite the discomfort. However, he struggled to continue, and India captain Shreyas Iyer eventually asked him to retire. The decision brought India’s chase to an end as West Indies sealed a 24-run win.
The victory helped the visitors level the series at 2-2 after India had taken an early lead. The two teams will now meet in Bengaluru, with the series title at stake.
Samson Says India Are Ready For Series Decider
Despite the defeat, Samson said the Indian team remained motivated and was looking forward to the final T20I. He also credited West Indies for fighting back and winning two matches in the series.
“We are 2-all now. All comes down to Bangalore now. We are really charged up for the last game. We have to get credit to West Indies cricket. They have come to our home and dominated 2 games. We are in the final now,” Samson said.
West Indies have made a strong comeback after India won the opening matches, turning the series into a contest that will be decided in the fifth game.