West Indies clinched the second T20I in Ranchi by six wickets, chasing 249 after a blistering start from Mayank Yadav, who took 3 wickets in 3 overs for 36 runs.
Yadav’s first over was a nightmare: 140+ km/h deliveries, two wickets on the trot, and a 149 km/h delivery that left Rovman Powell with a barked wicket. Yet his economy ballooned to 12.00, a stark contrast to the 3/36 figures that set the tone but couldn’t stop the chase.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir rejected the notion that the opening over decides the game, insisting that consistency over 40 overs is what matters. He also urged Yadav to keep his natural pace, saying “If you can bowl at 150 kmph, bowl at 150.” Gambhir’s comments hit home, especially as the pitch seemed to favor batters.
With India’s bowlers under scrutiny and the pitch described as a “featherbed,” the team must rethink strategy before the final T20I against Australia. The next match looms, and the margin between a win and a loss could hinge on how quickly they can tighten up.