Team India skipper Shreyas Iyer credited the West Indies batters for pulling off a sensational chase in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday, October 9. After the Windies gunned down a target of 250, Shreyas stated that it was difficult to reevaluate whether India had enough runs on the board.
The West Indies beat India by six wickets at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi to square the five-match series 1-1. Batting first, India put up 249-5 on the board as Sanju Samson top-scored with 82 off 41. The visitors, however, chased down the total in 18.3 overs as skipper Shai Hope slammed 102* off 45, while Sherfane Rutherford hammered 84 off 37.
Speaking after the unexpected defeat, Shreyas admitted that the West Indies batters were too good on the day, but also lamented the dew factor in Ranchi. He said (via Cricbuzz):
“Honestly speaking, you cannot put a number to it [target while batting first], because when the dew factor comes in, it plays a massive role. And even 249 was chased with [almost] two overs to spare. So, you cannot give a number, or probably anticipate that, okay, this is the number we would be trying to score.”
Shreyas admitted that the margin for error on the Ranchi wicket was minimal, adding that almost every ball that was not executed properly was punished. The Indian captain elaborated:
“You could see how exceptional they were in their batting. A few missed chances here and there, but that’s part and parcel of the game. But credit where it’s due, they batted amazing.”
Left-arm spinner Axar Patel was clobbered for 63 runs in 3.3 overs, while Kuldeep Yadav conceded 53 in his four and Arshdeep Singh 45.
Shreyas Iyer praises Sanju Samson and Mayank Yadav
While India suffered a shocking loss against the West Indies in Ranchi on Friday, there were few positives for the Men in Blue. Opener Samson was back among the runs after a few low scores, while pacer Mayank Yadav claimed three big wickets. Praising both, Shreyas commented (via the aforementioned source):
“Both were phenomenal in their departments, and this is what we look for every now and then from Sanju and Abhishek [Sharma]. The way they’ve been performing consistently throughout, taking that responsibility and setting the pace for us – exceptional performances by them. Also, Mayank, those three crucial wickets, it was something that stabilized the rhythm for us up ahead. But then, the partnership came in, and the momentum shifted towards them.”
Mayank dismissed Kamil Pooran (4) and Shimron Hetmyer (0) off consecutive deliveries in the first over of the chase. Later, he also added the scalp of Rovman Powell (24 off 13) to finish with 3-36 from three overs.
Edited by Renin Wilben Albert