Fans clamour for Sanju Samson after India's another crushing loss
Phil Salt and Harry Brook shine as the hosts chase down 159 in just 13.5 overs to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead in Bristol; Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fails once again
Calls for bringing back opening batter Sanju Samson into India's playing XI grew again after England produced another commanding display to win the fourth T20 International by nine wickets in Bristol on Thursday (July 9). The victory saw the hosts seal the five-match series 3-0 with one game remaining. The first match in Durham was disrupted by rain.
Chasing 159, the hosts reached the target in just 13.5 overs, registering their fastest successful chase of a 150-plus total in the shortest format and their first-ever bilateral T20I series win against India in a series of two or more matches. The reigning T20 world champions crashed to their biggest defeat in the previous match, losing by 125 runs.
Also read: India slump to record 125-run loss in 3rd T20I; what went wrong?
The defeat also marked India's fifth consecutive loss on the tour, having lost twice to Ireland before suffering three straight defeats against England. Throughout the series, England have looked a step ahead in batting, bowling and tactical execution.
India's innings never really gathered momentum after a poor start. Despite an unbeaten 80 by captain Shreyas Iyer off 49 balls, the visitors could only manage 158, a total that proved well below par on the day.
England dominate
England's chase was clinical from the outset.
Opener Phil Salt (59 not out) and captain Harry Brook (79 not out) took control immediately, attacking the Indian bowlers and never allowing the required run rate to become a factor. The pair comfortably guided England home with nine wickets in hand, underlining the gulf between the two sides in this series.
Also read: Sanju Samson has been given clarity on his omission: Coach Gambhir
The contrast between the teams has been striking. While England have adapted superbly to conditions throughout the series, the visitors have struggled to build partnerships or seize momentum with either bat or ball.
'We want Sanju'
An interesting moment unfolded after the match when Indian supporters gathered beneath the team's balcony and repeatedly chanted, "We want Sanju, we want Sanju," reflecting the growing debate over India's team combination. The opening batter was replaced by teen prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the second T20I due to poor form, but the latter also failed to shine, scoring 14, 13 and 15 in the three matches that he played.
Before the match, several Indian fans had also spoken about looking beyond the T20I series. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma set to return for the ODI leg that follows next, many believe India will field a significantly different side in the 50-over format.
Final chance
India now travel to Southampton for the fifth and final T20I on Saturday (July 11). While the series has already been decided, the visitors will look to end the series on a positive note before attention shifts to the 50-over format.
England, meanwhile, have thoroughly deserved their series victory after dominating every department across the contest.
