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India batting great Sunil Gavaskar has defended the Hyderabad pitch following India's 24-run defeat to the West Indies in the fourth T20I, arguing that the bowlers' execution was a bigger concern than the conditions. India conceded 247/3 before finishing their chase at 223/9, allowing the visitors to level the five-match series at 2-2.
Sunil Gavaskar pointed to the number of full tosses and deliveries that missed their intended lengths, saying bowlers must take responsibility instead of blaming the surface. His comments came amid discussions about India's pitches, with head coach Gautam Gambhir also expressing his preference for conditions that provide a better contest between bat and ball.
We often talk about pitches and blame them, claiming they offer no assistance to the bowlers - Sunil Gavaskar
Speaking on JioHotstar, Sunil Gavaskar highlighted how both teams struggled to maintain control during the fourth T20I. He acknowledged that West Indies also made mistakes while Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy were building India's recovery, but noted that the visitors improved their execution later in the innings.
According to Sunil Gavaskar, the pitch could not be held responsible for deliveries that allowed batters to score freely. He pointed to the West Indies bowlers' improved accuracy as an example of how better execution eventually brought wickets.
“Even the West Indies bowlers made quite a few errors while the partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish was developing; they bowled too many full tosses. We often talk about pitches and blame them, claiming they offer no assistance to the bowlers. But if you bowl full tosses, the pitch isn't to blame,” Sunil Gavaskar said.
“Only later, when they bowled the right length or delivered yorkers, did they find success,” Sunil Gavaskar added.
India's bowlers conceded 247 runs in 20 overs, with Shai Hope scoring an unbeaten 102 and Shimron Hetmyer contributing 33 off just 12 deliveries. The visitors' total left India with a demanding chase and despite Sanju Samson's 56 off 23 balls and contributions from Tilak and Reddy, they suffered a loss.
Yeah, it was holding a bit and there were some more bounces as well - Shreyas Iyer on Hyderabad pitch
India captain Shreyas Iyer offered a slightly different perspective, acknowledging that the surface had begun to hold up and produce extra bounce during the middle overs. However, he also credited the West Indies bowlers for adjusting their plans and using the field effectively when India threatened to regain control.
Iyer said the visitors' ability to respond during India's counterattack made a difference and suggested the series decider would provide another compelling contest.
“Yeah, it was holding a bit and there were some more bounces as well. But yeah, knowing that I feel the bowlers, they realized it,” Iyer said after fourth T20I.
“They are bowlers and the way they bowled according to the field, that's what was important, especially in those middle overs. Even though the momentum shifted towards us, in between still the ability to bounce back was top notch and I'm sure the fifth one would be an interesting one,” he added.
I feel going forward we don't have to think much about, our bowling - Shreyas Iyer
Despite the defeat, Iyer backed India's aggressive batting approach ahead of the series decider. India had scored 248 in the previous match and managed 223 against West Indies' 247 in Hyderabad, showing their willingness to pursue challenging targets.
The captain said the team needed to focus on execution and approach the next match with a clear mindset rather than becoming overly concerned about the bowling performance.
“Well, obviously, getting 220, especially when we were chasing and then scoring 250, you can see the approach and attitude of every individual. So the approach is going to be same and I feel going forward we don't have to think much about, our bowling,” Shreyas Iyer said.
“But it's all about execution and having that fresh mindset where you come on that given day and see do it, then you seize the moment,” he added.
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