Gavaskar Slams India’s Batters After West Indies Defeat in Hyderabad

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has urged the national team’s batters to take greater responsibility while chasing big totals. His remarks came after India lost the fourth T20I to West Indies by 24 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

West Indies captain Shai Hope led from the front with his second century of the series, helping the visitors post 247/3. India fell short of the 248-run target and were bowled out for 223. Keemo Paul claimed a five-wicket haul, and the result levelled the five-match series at 2-2.

Gavaskar Demands More Responsibility

Speaking to JioStar, Gavaskar said chasing is the first area India must fix and warned that the side will not succeed unless its batters step up. He noted that the Hyderabad pitch suited batting, with dew coming in, and said a back-to-back T20 World Cup-winning team should have shown far more dominance.

Sanju Samson gave India a fast start with 56 off 23 balls, but the rest of the line-up failed to capitalise. Gavaskar called Abhishek Sharma’s knock poor by his standards and said Ishan Kishan fell into Paul’s trap. He added that captain Shreyas Iyer has struggled to get going since his hundred. Regular wickets after Samson’s dismissal made the chase harder for the hosts.

Bowlers Get Backing

Gavaskar was gentler on the bowling attack, which conceded 247 runs in 20 overs. The 77-year-old accepted that the bowling had been poor but pointed out that the bowlers are new to international cricket. He said they must be hit for boundaries now and then in order to learn.

Series Decider in Bengaluru

Both teams now turn their attention to the fifth and final T20I at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17. India will need their top and middle order to deliver if they are to win the series.