West Indies chased 250 in 19.2 overs, finishing 252/4 and leveling the five‑match series 1‑1. Shai Hope blazed 102 off 45, while Sherfane Rutherford added 84 off 37.
The turning point came in the 18th over. India had Axar Patel on the ball, but Gavaskar argued that Mayank Yadav, who had already taken three wickets earlier, would have tightened the run rate better.
Gavaskar also slammed the ninth‑over decision to bowl Shivam Dube, insisting that Kuldeep Yadav could have broken the partnership while the West Indies were still finding their rhythm.
India’s 249/5 was under‑powered by the West Indian batting surge, and the record chase leaves the home side scrambling for a new bowling strategy. The 120‑run partnership between Hope and Rutherford turned the tables in the final overs.
The third T20I in Indore looms on Friday, and India’s selectors are under pressure to mix speed and spin to stop the run‑rushing West Indies. A win would restore confidence before the final two matches of the series.