Gambhir backs bowlers after India’s 249 is chased down by West Indies

Gambhir wants a fairer contest — and answers from India’s bowlers

India coach Gautam Gambhir renewed his call for a better balance between bat and ball after West Indies chased down a target of 250 in the second T20I in Ranchi. India’s 249 was not enough on a flat surface under heavy dew, as West Indies completed one of the highest successful run chases in T20 internationals.

“Don’t you want a good competition between bat and ball? We want what you want,” Gambhir said after the match. He argued that more even conditions would produce better cricket and noted that bowlers’ careers were also at stake.

Gambhir did not, however, blame the pitch or dew for the defeat. He said India had to find a way to stop a powerful batting side, pointing out that West Indies had lost two wickets in the opening over and three inside the first six overs. “You don't shrug off any defeat,” he said. “If you want to keep improving, you don't want to put anything under the carpet.”

Missed chance, but no blame

A dropped catch proved costly when Mayank Yadav put down Sherfane Rutherford at short fine leg off the final ball of the 10th over. Rutherford was on 38 at the time and went on to score 84 from 37 balls. Gambhir refused to make the missed opportunity the explanation for the result, saying dropped catches are part of cricket and are not deliberate.

Mayank had earlier given India a chance to defend the total with a three-wicket spell that unsettled the West Indies top order. He repeatedly bowled at speeds around 145 kph and dismissed Rovman Powell with a delivery clocked at 149.5 kph.

Gambhir urged the young fast bowler to rely on that strength. “He’s a fast bowler and he should bowl like a fast bowler,” he said, adding that if Mayank could bowl at 150 kph, he should do so. India now move to Indore for the third T20I on Sunday, at another ground known for high scores.