West Indies chased 249/5 in Ranchi, snatching a 1-1 series tie with nine balls to spare, thanks to Shai Hope's unbeaten 102 off 45.
Samson had blistered India, pulling off 82 from 41 deliveries, while Akeal Hosein was left scrambling for 46 runs in just three overs. Hope, meanwhile, ploughed home five fours and six sixes, turning the tables.
The turning point came during the powerplay when Hope insisted on keeping Hosein at the crease for three straight overs. Ashwin slammed the decision, calling it a "goat on a platter" tactic that let Samson run rampant.
Ashwin, in his YouTube series "Ash Ki Baat", said, "You cannot keep using spinners from one end against a batter who is finding boundaries with ease." He also praised Samson's fearless approach, noting that risk‑taking keeps the team alive.
The result fuels the debate over bowling balance in the series. India’s coach Gautam Gambhir has already warned that defending big totals is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed before the next game.
The teams head to Indore for the third T20I, where a high‑scoring showdown could settle the tie and decide who will hold the momentum.