Shubman Gill Criticises India’s Bowling After Mullanpur ODI Defeat

India captain Shubman Gill has openly flagged the team’s recurring bowling problems after a shock five-wicket defeat to West Indies in the third and final ODI at Mullanpur on Saturday. The loss did not cost India the series, as the hosts had already built an unassailable lead and finished with a 2-1 win. Even so, the manner of the defeat has raised fresh questions.

Batters Put Up a Big Total

Batting first, India posted a competitive 351/7. KL Rahul led the way with a brilliant 129, while Rohit Sharma contributed a fluent 92 off 85 balls. On paper, the total looked more than enough to secure a victory and end the series on a high.

The bowlers, however, failed to defend it. West Indies skipper Shai Hope led from the front with an unbeaten 162, taking his side home with 10 balls to spare and leaving the Indian attack searching for answers.

Gill Points to Powerplay and Death Overs

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gill said India’s bowling in the powerplay and at the death had hurt the team. He explained that without early wickets, the middle overs become far harder, since only four fielders are allowed outside the circle and chances are tougher to create. According to Gill, the intensity of the contest changes completely when wickets stop falling.

The skipper also criticised the fielding, pointing to dropped catches and sloppy work in the field. Those lapses gave Hope extra lives and allowed him to dominate the chase.

With the World Cup on the horizon, Gill stressed that India must tighten up quickly. The batting has shown plenty of strength, but unless the bowling and fielding improve, the series win may offer little comfort.