Gambhir Takes Responsibility After India Fail to Defend 249
India head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame individual players, the toss or difficult bowling conditions after India failed to defend 249 against West Indies in the second T20I in Ranchi, saying the team must accept responsibility for the six-wicket defeat.
Gambhir Refuses to Make Excuses After Defeat
India posted 249 for five after being asked to bat, with Sanju Samson scoring 82 and Tilak Varma remaining unbeaten on 44.
Despite the imposing total, West Indies completed a record chase of 250 with nine balls remaining. Gambhir said India had believed 250 was a strong enough score, especially after taking early wickets, but acknowledged that the visitors deserved full credit.
He said dropped catches and the toss were part of the game and should not be used to explain the defeat.
Hope and Rutherford Power Historic Chase
West Indies recovered after losing early wickets through a devastating partnership between captain Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford.
Hope remained unbeaten on 102 from 45 balls, while Rutherford struck 84 from 37 deliveries. Their 120-run partnership transformed the chase after West Indies had slipped to 58 for three.
Romario Shepherd then added a rapid 34 to complete West Indies’ highest successful chase in T20 internationals.
Gambhir Praises Roston Chase’s Bowling
Gambhir also singled out Roston Chase’s spell as a decisive part of the match.
Chase took three wickets for 24 runs, removing Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube while varying his lines effectively on a batting-friendly surface.
The defeat levelled the five-match T20I series at 1-1, with the third match scheduled to be played in Indore.
