CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: India could not win despite scoring 249 runs. In the second T20 international played in Ranchi, the Indian team suffered a six-wicket defeat against West Indies. Batting first, India scored 249 for five, but West Indies chased down the 250-run target on the strength of captain Shai Hope’s unbeaten century and an explosive innings from Sherfane Rutherford. After the defeat, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer’s strategy and bowling changes have become a subject of discussion.
First reason: Dew made things difficult for the bowlers. During the second innings in Ranchi, dew became a major challenge for the Indian bowlers. Because of the wet ball, the bowlers struggled to get a proper grip and control their line and length. West Indies batters took advantage of this and maintained the scoring rate with big shots. Captain Shreyas Iyer also cited dew as an important factor after the defeat and said that in such conditions there is very little margin for error for bowlers.
Second reason: Roston Chase put the brakes on India’s batting. Indian batters made an aggressive start and put up a big total, but West Indies bowler Roston Chase delivered an impressive spell in the middle overs. He took three wickets for just 24 runs in four overs. His economical bowling checked India’s scoring rate to some extent, and the team missed the chance to possibly post an even bigger total. Although India’s score of 249 was strong, it too did not prove enough in batting-friendly conditions.
Third reason: Could Iyer not make full use of Mayank Yadav? Fast bowler Mayank Yadav put India in a strong position by taking two wickets at the start of the match. He took wickets later as well and finished with three wickets in three overs. Even so, India could not break West Indies’ partnerships. Mayank’s limited use during the match has raised questions over captaincy decisions. However, it would not be right to say India lost only because of this decision. Dew, the batters’ aggression and West Indies’ excellent partnerships also played a major role in the result.
Shai Hope and Rutherford turned the match around. West Indies made a very poor start and lost two wickets in the very first over. But captain Shai Hope scored an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford played a blistering innings of 84 off 37 balls. Their 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket pushed India behind in the contest. West Indies won by making 252 for four in 18.3 overs.
West Indies level the series. With this win, West Indies made it 1-1 in the five-match T20 series. The Indian team will now face the challenge in the next match of reworking its bowling strategy, preparing to deal with dew and taking wickets at crucial moments.
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