Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin criticised West Indies captain Shai Hope for his tactics during the second T20I against India on Friday. Playing at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, India posted a massive 249/5 in 20 overs, powered by Sanju Samson’s explosive 82 off 41 balls. However, the visitors turned the game around in the chase, with Hope leading from the front through an unbeaten 102 off 45 deliveries to guide West Indies to victory with nine balls to spare.
During India’s innings, the West Indies bowlers appeared to have no answer to Samson’s onslaught, particularly spinner Akeal Hosein. The left-arm spinner leaked 46 runs in his three overs, including an over in which Samson struck him for two sixes and two fours.
Despite Hosein’s struggles, Hope persisted with the spinner and handed him three consecutive overs before eventually deciding against using him again later in the innings. Ashwin questioned that move, stating that the West Indies skipper should not have continued with a bowler who was consistently being targeted by Samson.
“Samson looked scratchy because he was not in a run-scoring phase. However, Shai Hope also made a mistake today. You cannot keep using spinners from one end in an attempt to build pressure on Sanju Samson. Bowling three consecutive overs from Akeal Hosein during the powerplay was like serving a hungry lion a goat on a platter. Samson simply took advantage of the opportunity and went after Akeal Hosein,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat.
“It is not easy to maintain that attitude. It is human nature that when you are in danger and know that you might be dropped, self-preservation becomes the top priority. Yet, he continues to take risks for the team. And it is this great attitude of his that seems to be bringing him some luck as well. A catch went straight into a fielder’s hands today, but he dropped it,” he added.
Nevertheless, West Indies recovered impressively from their difficult start with the ball. Hope’s remarkable century spearheaded the chase and helped his side secure a convincing win. With the result, the five-match T20I series between India and West Indies is now level at 1-1.
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