India captain Shreyas Iyer blamed poor bowling execution for the 24-run defeat against West Indies in the fourth T20I. Despite the series being level at 2-2, Iyer backed India’s aggressive batting approach ahead of the decisive fifth match.
India captain Shreyas Iyer has attributed his team’s 24-run defeat against West Indies in the fourth T20 International to poor bowling execution, while backing the team’s aggressive batting approach ahead of the decisive fifth match of the five-match series.
West Indies defeated India at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, October 14, to level the series 2-2. The result has set up a series decider scheduled to be played in Bengaluru on October 17. <Cite refs={[“turn891672search1″,”turn891672news21”]}/>
West Indies produced a formidable batting performance to post 247/3 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Shai Hope led from the front with an unbeaten 102 off 50 deliveries, while Sherfane Rutherford provided explosive support with an unbeaten 49 off 26 balls.
The pair’s unbeaten 91-run partnership for the fourth wicket helped West Indies finish with a commanding total, putting considerable pressure on the Indian batting lineup. India’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring rate, allowing the visitors to build momentum throughout their innings. <Cite refs={[“turn891672search1″,”turn891672search0”]}/>
Speaking after the match, Iyer acknowledged that India’s inability to maintain the correct line and length had proved costly. He said chasing a target of around 250 required a particular batting pattern, and although he was satisfied with the team’s positive approach, the bowlers had failed to execute their plans effectively.
The captain stressed that the team needed to improve its execution rather than abandon its aggressive strategy. He indicated that India’s batting intent would remain unchanged heading into the series decider.
Responding to a question about Abhishek Sharma’s limited time on strike during the early stages of the chase, Iyer dismissed the suggestion that it had significantly affected India’s progress. He pointed out that the required scoring rate was still manageable at that stage, but praised the West Indies bowlers for sticking to their plans and using the field effectively.
Iyer also acknowledged that the Hyderabad pitch offered some assistance to the bowlers. According to him, the ball occasionally held up on the surface and produced uneven bounce, particularly during the middle overs. He said the West Indies bowlers adapted well to those conditions and used their field placements effectively to restrict India’s scoring opportunities.
Despite the challenging target, India continued to pursue the chase with an attacking mindset. Sanju Samson provided an explosive start with 56 off 23 balls, while Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed useful runs during the middle stages. However, Keemo Paul delivered a decisive bowling performance, claiming five wickets and disrupting India’s momentum. India eventually finished on 223, falling 24 runs short of the target. <Cite refs={[“turn891672search1″,”turn891672search4”]}/>
Iyer praised the visitors for their ability to regain control when India threatened to build momentum. He said West Indies responded effectively under pressure, demonstrating the importance of executing plans at crucial moments in a T20 match.
The Indian captain also highlighted the team’s ability to score heavily on the relaid Hyderabad surface, saying the total of 223 during the chase reflected the players’ positive attitude and attacking intent. He maintained that the team would continue to play with the same approach in the final match.
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Looking ahead to the series decider, Iyer emphasised the importance of entering the contest with a fresh mindset and focusing on the demands of the day rather than overthinking previous mistakes. He said India’s immediate priority would be to improve bowling execution and seize key opportunities when they arise.
With the series level at 2-2, both teams now have everything to play for in Bengaluru. West Indies will look to carry forward the confidence gained from their comprehensive performance in Hyderabad, while India will aim to address their bowling shortcomings and convert their aggressive batting approach into a series-winning performance.
