Sanju Samson names two best top-order batters in the world after India’s defeat against West Indies in 4th T20I

Picking the best top-order batters in world cricket is never straightforward, particularly in the T20 format, where consistency, scoring speed and the ability to dominate bowlers all play crucial roles. With several international stars competing for recognition, identifying the two standout performers can spark plenty of debate. However, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has made his choices clear, backing two of his teammates despite their disappointing performances in India’s recent defeat against West Indies.

Sanju Samson names best top two batters in world cricket

Following India’s fourth T20I against West Indies at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Samson named Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan as the two best top-order batters in the world in the shortest format.

Samson expressed confidence in both players during the post-match press conference, emphasising that a single underwhelming performance should not overshadow their recent contributions. According to the Indian opener, their overall form and ability to deliver consistently make them deserving of the recognition.

“Ishan (Kishan) and Abhishek Sharma are the world’s best top two batters, I think you cannot ask anything more out of them, one game is okay. [Abhishek] just scored a really good 70 [69] in the last game and Ishan is consistently scoring a lot of runs, so one game is totally fine,” Samson said.

The statement came after neither batter managed to make a significant contribution in Hyderabad. Abhishek scored 29 runs from 24 deliveries, struggling to maintain his usual scoring rate, while Kishan was dismissed for just six runs. Despite their struggles, Samson was unwilling to judge their abilities based on one match. He pointed towards Abhishek’s 69-run innings in the previous game and Kishan’s consistent run-scoring as reasons to maintain faith in the duo. His assessment also highlighted the importance of looking beyond individual match performances when evaluating batters in a format where even established players can have difficult outings.

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India face heat after Shai Hope’s inspirational hundred

While Samson backed his teammates, India’s immediate concern was their defeat against West Indies, who produced a commanding batting display to level the five-match T20I series at 2-2. After being asked to bat first, the visitors piled up 247/3 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Shai Hope led the charge with an unbeaten 102 off just 50 deliveries, striking nine sixes to register his second century of the series.

Hope received valuable support from Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on 49 from 26 balls, while Shimron Hetmyer contributed a rapid 33 off just 12 deliveries. Their combined efforts left India facing a daunting target of 248.

India began the chase aggressively, with Samson smashing 56 off only 23 balls. However, his dismissal proved costly as the hosts struggled to maintain their momentum. Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy briefly revived India’s hopes with a quickfire 70-run partnership, scoring 43 and 41 respectively. Nevertheless, Keemo Paul dismantled the lower order with figures of 5/41.

India were eventually bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs, falling 24 runs short. The chase also ended unusually, with Arshdeep Singh retiring hurt because of an arm injury with three balls remaining. The result levelled the series at 2-2, leaving the fifth T20I in Bengaluru to decide the winner.

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