Varun Aaron says India panicked as West Indies chase down 250 in Ranchi

Aaron questions India’s change of plan

Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron said India moved away from disciplined bowling too soon after West Indies launched a record chase in the second T20I in Ranchi. India posted 249/5, but the visitors reached 252/4 in 19.2 overs to level the five-match series at 1-1.

India had made an early breakthrough, with Mayank Yadav taking two wickets in the opening over and finishing with three. Aaron argued that the attack should have continued to bowl consistent lengths instead of turning quickly to yorkers, slower balls and bouncers.

“They completely forgot about bowling length. I think they pressed the panic button way too early,” Aaron told JioStar.

Aaron said two of Mayank’s three wickets came from deliveries on a proper length, and suggested India could have persisted with that approach. He also pointed to the full tosses conceded while trying to land yorkers, which gave Rovman Powell opportunities to score boundaries while he was still settling in.

Hope and Rutherford turn the chase around

West Indies were 58/3 before Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford rebuilt the innings with a 120-run partnership. Hope finished unbeaten on 102 from 45 balls, while Rutherford struck 84 from 37 deliveries. Their stand carried West Indies to the highest successful T20I run chase against India.

India’s innings had been led by Sanju Samson, who made 82 from 41 balls, and Tilak Varma, who scored 44. The total of 249/5 was not enough to prevent West Indies from completing the chase.