Gavaskar Points Finger at India's Bowling After West Indies Pull Off Historic Chase in Ranchi

West Indies levelled the five-match T20I series at 1-1 with a stunning six-wicket victory over India in Ranchi on Friday, October 9, overhauling a target of 250 with notable composure. India had posted 249 for 5, but the visitors chased it down to leave the hosts searching for answers.

Gavaskar Defends Batters, Questions Bowling Strategy

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was unequivocal in his assessment, arguing that the batting unit had done more than enough to secure victory. Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar revealed he had expected India to finish somewhere in the region of 235 to 240 after a couple of quiet overs, making the eventual total of 249 for 5 all the more impressive.

"I thought India would score around 235-240 after a couple of quiet overs. India got nine runs more. So, clearly, the batters are not to be blamed. I don't think they fell short. It is quite clear the bowlers did not bowl the way they should have," Gavaskar said.

He further suggested that the bowling coach should be asked to explain what was expected from the attack and whether those plans were executed. It was a pointed critique that placed the responsibility for the defeat squarely on the bowling group and the tactical decision-making that accompanied it.

Bowling Figures Make for Grim Reading

The numbers support Gavaskar's argument. Mayank Yadav was the only Indian bowler to claim three wickets, but even he conceded at an economy rate of 12.00 across his three overs. Arshdeep Singh went wicketless and leaked runs at 11.25 per over.

The spin contingent fared little better. Axar Patel bowled 3.3 overs and conceded 63 runs, an economy rate of 18.00. Kuldeep Yadav picked up one wicket in his four overs but proved expensive at 13.25. Collectively, the attack struggled to contain a West Indies batting line-up that grew in confidence as the chase progressed.

The Shivam Dube Decision

Gavaskar also questioned India's decision to introduce Shivam Dube into the attack in the seventh over, at a point when West Indies had stumbled to 58 for 3. With the visitors under pressure, Gavaskar felt that persisting with Arshdeep Singh might have been the better option rather than allowing the West Indies batters to settle against a part-time bowler.

It was a tactical inflection point. West Indies had lost early wickets and were still some distance from the required rate. The decision to turn to Dube, rather than maintain the pressure with a frontline seamer, arguably gave the chasing side a release valve at a crucial moment.

Hope and Rutherford Turn the Tide

The match turned on a remarkable partnership between captain Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. Hope struck a century from just 45 balls, a strike rate of 226.67, anchoring the chase while simultaneously maintaining an aggressive tempo. Rutherford matched him in intent, making 84 from 37 deliveries at a strike rate of 227.03.

India had begun well with the ball, removing two West Indies batters in the first over. At that stage, the hosts appeared in control. But Hope and Rutherford combined to wrest the initiative, exploiting the short boundaries and the bowling changes to keep the required rate within reach.

Series Context

The defeat levels the series and raises questions for India's team management ahead of the remaining fixtures. The batting appears in good order, but the bowling attack's ability to defend large totals under pressure will be a central concern. For West Indies, the victory represents a significant confidence boost and proof that their batting line-up can withstand early setbacks and still dictate terms.

India will need to address their death-overs planning, their use of part-time bowlers in high-pressure situations, and the execution of their frontline seamers and spinners. West Indies, meanwhile, will look to carry the momentum into the next match, knowing they have the firepower to challenge India's total on any surface.