-1792053412595_v.webp)
Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron has questioned India’s team selection after their 24-run defeat to the West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad. Aaron felt that leaving out wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was a mistake, especially as the pitch offered conditions that could have suited an extra spinner.
India stuck with the same playing XI but struggled to contain the West Indies batters, who scored 247/3. In reply, the hosts managed 223/9, allowing the visitors to level the five-match series at 2-2.
Aaron, who is also the bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, believes Kuldeep could have made a difference on the Hyderabad pitch.
“Ultimately, poor bowling plans and a lack of batting awareness cost India the game again. India should have played an extra spinner. Kuldeep should have played on this wicket,” Aaron said on JioHotstar.
Hyderabad Pitch Could Have Suited Kuldeep Yadav
The pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium was expected to be a high-scoring surface, but it offered some help to the bowlers. At times, the ball held up on the surface during both innings, while the lack of dew could also have helped the spinners.
India, however, went into the match with only two spin options in Axar Patel and Naman Dhir.
Axar picked up one wicket for 45 runs, dismissing West Indies opener Jewel Andrew during the powerplay. Naman, meanwhile, conceded 19 runs in his short spell.
Neither spinner could put sustained pressure on the West Indies batters. Aaron felt that Kuldeep’s presence could have given India another attacking option and made it harder for the visitors to score freely.
Gudakesh Motie Makes The Difference For West Indies
While India’s spinners struggled to make a lasting impact, Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase played important roles for the West Indies.
Chase has troubled Abhishek Sharma during the series by keeping the Indian opener quiet. In Hyderabad, Sanju Samson took on much of the responsibility during the powerplay, leaving Abhishek with fewer opportunities to attack.
Motie, meanwhile, struck at a crucial stage of India’s chase. The left-arm spinner dismissed Abhishek and Naman off consecutive deliveries in the same over, putting India under further pressure while they chased a target of 248.
Aaron pointed to Motie’s performance as an example of how spinners could use changes in pace to trouble batters on the Hyderabad surface.
“We saw how Motie bowled, varying his pace, and even Roston Chase bowled really well today, apart from that one over. On a wicket like this, with these boundary dimensions, Kuldeep would have been India’s point of difference,” he said.
India’s Bowling Plans Under The Scanner
India’s bowling performance raised further questions, with the attack unable to find a consistent way to contain the West Indies. Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh conceded 52 runs each as the visitors finished with a formidable total of 247/3.
The Indian bowlers struggled to maintain pressure and prevent the opposition from scoring at a high rate. Their inability to consistently hit the right lengths also allowed the West Indies batters to take control.
The defeat has put India’s bowling plans and team selection under the spotlight ahead of the series decider.
India And West Indies Set For Bengaluru Decider
With the five-match T20I series level at 2-2, India and the West Indies will meet at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday for the final match.