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'Genuinely worried about the future of Indian bowling' - R Ashwin after Ranchi loss

India’s bowling unit faced a stern test in the second T20I against the West Indies at Ranchi, where a dominant batting display from Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford steered the visitors to a 120-run partnership and a 249-run victory in just 18.3 overs. Despite a strong chase, India’s total of 249—led by Sanju Samson’s 82 and Tilak Varma’s 44—proved insufficient, leveling the five-match series at 1-1.

The match exposed deeper concerns for Indian cricket, as off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted a lack of emphasis on developing bowlers capable of handling tough conditions. He criticized tactical missteps, including the late introduction of Kuldeep Yadav, and questioned the team’s defensive bowling options, noting that even Shivam Dube’s entry after the powerplay failed to stem the flow.

Ashwin drew a stark comparison to past eras, where bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah provided a tactical edge with their ability to bowl defensively and vary deliveries—a rarity in today’s squad. His remarks underscored growing apprehension over the future of India’s bowling resources, particularly in high-pressure scenarios.

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