Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar believes India made a mistake by giving Kuldeep Yadav the 17th over instead of using Mayank Yadav or Arshdeep Singh during the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi on Friday.

India suffered a six-wicket defeat after the visitors chased down a massive target of 250 runs to level the five-match series 1-1. Kuldeep’s 17th over proved costly for the hosts, as he conceded 24 runs and allowed the West Indies to gain control of the chase.

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The left-arm wrist-spinner was hit for three sixes and a boundary, while also bowling a wide. Gavaskar felt India could have taken a different approach at that crucial stage by bringing back Mayank, who had already troubled the West Indies batters.

Sunil Gavaskar Explains Why Mayank Yadav Could Have Been A Better Option

Speaking to JioStar, Gavaskar said he would have preferred either Mayank or Arshdeep to bowl the 17th over. He pointed out that Mayank had already taken three wickets and could have created further problems for the visitors.

Mayank had already made a big impact in the powerplay, dismissing Kamil Pooran for a duck, Shimron Hetmyer for four and Rovman Powell for 24. His three wickets left the West Indies struggling at 58/3 by the sixth over.

With one over still available from the young fast bowler, Gavaskar felt India could have turned to him again when the pressure was mounting.

Gavaskar Questions India’s Other Bowling Decisions

Kuldeep’s expensive over was not the only decision that caught Gavaskar’s attention. The former India captain also questioned the decision to bring Shivam Dube into the attack in the ninth over.

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He suggested that Kuldeep could have been introduced earlier, when the West Indies batters were still settling in and looking to build their innings.

West Indies Complete Record Chase To Level Series

India’s bowling attack struggled to contain the West Indies despite Mayank’s early breakthroughs. Arshdeep Singh conceded 17 runs in the 18th over, with Shai Hope and Romario Shepherd continuing the assault.

The visitors eventually completed the chase in 18.3 overs, with Axar Patel conceding two sixes before the West Indies sealed a six-wicket victory.

Hope led the charge with an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, while Shepherd and the other middle-order batters ensured the required run rate remained within reach.