Photo via Hindustan Times

Shreyas Iyer laments ‘dew factor’ after West Indies hand India shocking defeat and he is unsure about what total is safe

India’s 249-run target in the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi seemed well within reach, but the visitors defied expectations with their highest successful chase in the format, finishing nine balls early. The dew-soaked outfield played a decisive role, neutralizing India’s spinners—Axar Patel (0/63) and Kuldeep Yadav (1/53)—who struggled to contain the Windies’ aggressive batting.

Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the challenge, calling the conditions unpredictable and noting that no total could be considered safe under such circumstances. The Windies’ middle-order partnership between Shai Hope (102* off 69 balls) and Sherfane Rutherford (84) turned the game, with Hope’s unbeaten century anchoring their 120-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Mayank Yadav was India’s lone bright spot, claiming three wickets with his pace, but the momentum shifted irrevocably after the early setbacks.

Iyer praised Mayank’s return to form following his injury layoff but admitted the team’s execution faltered under pressure. The dew factor, combined with the Windies’ clinical finishing, left India’s bowlers exposed, unable to capitalize on their early breakthroughs.

Romario Shepherd also contributed with a quickfire 34* off 13 balls, sealing the victory as India’s spinners were repeatedly outplayed. The defeat underscored the volatility of T20 cricket, where even formidable totals can be chased down with precision under the right conditions.

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