IND vs IRE: 'Flew Under The Radar And Hurt India'- Robin Uthappa Points Out India's Mistake After Series Loss To West Indies

Former batsman Robin Uthappa has heaped praise on Brandon King after the West Indies opener’s match-winning knock against India in the fifth and final T20I on Sunday (August 13). The Caribbean outfit chased down India’s 165-run total with ease to clinch the five-match series 3-2.

Batting first after thrashing West Indies by nine wickets only 24 hours earlier at the same venue, India failed to deliver with the bat. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) and Shubman Gill (9), who shared a 165-run stand in the fourth T20I, failed to give the team a good start.

Suryakumar Yadav (61) waged a lone battle for India as the likes of Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, and Sanju Samson failed to score big too. For West Indies, Romario Shepherd starred with the ball. He picked up 4 crucial wickets to help West Indies restrict India to less than 170.

In reply, the hosts chased down the total in 18 overs by losing just two wickets thanks to Brandon King’s impressive knock. After West Indies lost Kyle Mayers (10) cheaply, King made sure they remain on the front foot throughout. He shared crucial stands with Nicholas Pooran (47) and Shai Hope (22*) to take his team home. King’s knock came off 55 balls and was studded with five fours and six sixes.

Robin Uthappa highlights Team India’s mistake:

After Brandon King’s starring batting display, Robin Uthappa has said that Team India did not focus much on the opener in order to focus on the dangerous Nicholas Pooran. Speaking on Jio Cinema after West Indies won the series decider, Robin Uthappa heaped praise on King for his display.

“Comprehensive victory from West Indies. They started well with the bat and continued to score in the same run-rate,” Robin Uthappa said.

“Kudos to West Indies and especially Brandon King. Started a little slow with the bat and as he played more balls he grew into the game. With teams focusing a lot of their energy on Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King flew under the radar and hurt India,” Uthappa further added.

The series win is West Indies’ first over India across formats since 2016. With the T20 World Cup to be played in the West Indies and USA next year, the victory will definitely boost the confidence of the Caribbean outfit.