Sanju Samson: no replacement for Jasprit Bumrah as India face bowling challenge

India wicketkeeper Sanju Samson said there is no replacement for Jasprit Bumrah after the team's 24-run defeat to West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Bumrah was rested for the series after participating in the Asian Games. Samson made his comments ahead of the series-deciding fifth T20I in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Samson acknowledged Bumrah's quality but pointed to the progress of Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav as reasons for optimism. He said the young pacers need consistent selection and backing to develop into match-winning bowlers. Arshdeep suffered a blow to his left arm while batting in Hyderabad and is receiving treatment ahead of the decider.

Samson also backed top-order batters Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma despite their struggles in the fourth match. He identified Tilak Varma's dismissal as the turning point in India's failed chase of 248. The series is tied at 2-2.