Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has defended the Hyderabad pitch following India’s 24-run defeat against West Indies in the fourth T20 International. Gavaskar argued that India’s bowling performance, rather than the playing surface, was a major factor behind the defeat. He pointed to the number of full tosses and deliveries bowled at inaccurate lengths, saying that bowlers must execute their plans properly instead of blaming the pitch.
The fourth T20I was played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 14, 2026. West Indies produced a powerful batting display to score 247 for three in 20 overs. India attempted to chase the challenging target but finished at 223 for nine, allowing the visitors to win by 24 runs and level the five-match series at 2-2.
Gavaskar Says Bowlers Must Take Responsibility
Speaking on JioHotstar after the match, Gavaskar questioned the tendency to blame pitches when bowlers fail to deliver accurately. He highlighted how full tosses and poorly directed deliveries can provide batters with easy scoring opportunities, particularly in a high-scoring T20 match.
Gavaskar also observed that West Indies’ bowlers had struggled with their lengths during India’s partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, the visitors improved their execution later in the innings and found success by bowling at better lengths and using yorkers.
His comments came amid a broader discussion about the balance between bat and ball in T20 cricket. India head coach Gautam Gambhir has previously expressed a preference for pitches that offer a more competitive contest between batters and bowlers.
Gavaskar’s assessment was that bowlers need to adapt to the conditions and focus on their execution. In his view, a pitch cannot be held responsible when deliveries are consistently placed where batters can attack them effectively.
West Indies Take Advantage of India’s Bowling Struggles
India’s difficulties with the ball were evident as West Indies reached 247 for three. Captain Shai Hope led the innings with an unbeaten 102 from 50 balls, providing the foundation for the visitors’ imposing total.
Hope attacked the Indian bowling from the early overs and maintained the scoring momentum throughout his innings. Sherfane Rutherford supported him with an unbeaten 49 off 26 deliveries, helping West Indies finish strongly.
India’s pace bowlers found it difficult to contain the scoring. Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh conceded 52 runs each in their respective four-over spells. Although India had some success at different stages, the bowlers were unable to prevent West Indies from building a total close to 250.
Gavaskar’s criticism focused on the need for greater accuracy, particularly when defending a high score. In T20 cricket, full tosses and deliveries that miss the intended length can be punished quickly, leaving bowlers with limited opportunities to control the scoring rate.
Shreyas Iyer Also Acknowledges Execution Problems
India captain Shreyas Iyer also acknowledged that the team had not executed its bowling plans effectively. He indicated that the problems began during the first innings, when West Indies established control and built a substantial total.
Iyer recognised that chasing a target of nearly 250 required a clear batting strategy and consistent contributions from the players. Although India showed an aggressive approach during the chase, the team could not overcome the pressure created by the large target.
The captain’s comments broadly reflected Gavaskar’s emphasis on execution. While the conditions and pitch can influence a match, teams must still make effective decisions and deliver their plans under pressure.
India’s Chase Falls Short
India needed 248 runs to win but lost wickets at important stages of the chase. Sanju Samson made an aggressive contribution at the top of the order, while Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy attempted to rebuild the innings through a partnership.
However, West Indies regained control as the innings progressed. Keemo Paul played a decisive role with the ball, taking five wickets and preventing India from completing the chase.
India finished on 223 for nine in 19.3 overs, falling 24 runs short. The defeat followed a series of high-scoring matches and highlighted the importance of both bowling accuracy and batting partnerships when pursuing large targets.
Series Set for a Decisive Finish
The victory brought West Indies level with India at 2-2 in the five-match T20I series. The result means that the final match will determine the series winner.
For India, improving bowling discipline will be a key consideration after conceding 247 runs. The team will also need to maintain its aggressive batting approach while ensuring that wickets do not fall too frequently during the chase.
West Indies, meanwhile, will take confidence from their batting performance and their ability to defend a demanding total. Hope’s century and Paul’s five-wicket haul were central to the victory.
Gavaskar’s comments have brought attention back to the debate over high-scoring pitches in T20 cricket. His central argument was that bowlers must focus on line, length and execution rather than placing the blame entirely on the surface. With the series level, India will have an opportunity to address those concerns in the deciding match.
