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3 Reasons Why India Failed to Defend 249 Runs in Ranchi T20: Friday was a deeply disappointing day for Indian cricket fans. Despite posting a massive total of 249 runs in the match played at Ranchi, Team India suffered a defeat. The West Indies put up a magnificent performance to chase down the target; this marked the highest run-chase in the Caribbean team's T20 history and the second-highest in the history of T20 Internationals overall.
Indian bowlers took a severe pounding during the match, with a total of 20 sixes hit across both innings. Why did Team India lose despite putting up such a huge score? Let’s look at the three biggest reasons behind this:
1. Impact of Dew Factor and Toss Result
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The outcome of the match was largely determined at the toss itself. Dew proved to be a major factor during the second innings, significantly impacting conditions on the field.
- The ball became so wet that it was nearly impossible for the Indian bowlers to grip it effectively.
- The spin department bore the brunt of this; spinners Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Naman Dhir were taken to the cleaners, conceding a combined 141 runs in 9.3 overs.
- The dew also made it extremely difficult for the fast bowlers to maintain their line and length.
Also Read: Fastest T20I Century for West Indies List: Shai Hope Overtakes Chris Gayle
2. Middle-Order Slowdown and Shortfall in Final Score
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At one stage, it appeared that Team India would easily surpass the 270-275 run mark. India had already scored 127 runs in the first 10 overs, consistently scoring 10 to 15 runs or more per over.
- However, the opposing team's bowlers made a brilliant comeback during the middle overs.
- Leveraging excellent bowling rotation and tight bowling, the opposition attack conceded only 24 runs and claimed 3 crucial wickets over the next 4 overs.
- The nature of the pitch was such that had Team India managed to add another 20–30 runs, the tide of the match could have turned in their favor.
3. Captaincy Tactics: Underutilization of Mayank Yadav
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Mayank Yadav was proving to be a potent wicket-taker on the Ranchi pitch, thanks to his pace and aggressive bowling.
- By the 13th or 14th over, as it became increasingly likely that the West Indies might clinch the match, Captain Shreyas Iyer needed to take a bold and decisive risk.
- Surprisingly, Mayank Yadav who appeared to be in excellent rhythm was not brought back to bowl after the powerplay.
- He bowled only 3 overs in the entire match and claimed 3 wickets; had he been given more overs at the right moment, the match could have swung in India's favor.
Also Read: Highest Successful Run Chases in T20I History: Full List
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