‘Just install a bowling machine’: Chahal on pitches after WI chase down 250 vs India

India’s 250-run total was not enough to prevent defeat against the West Indies, reigniting the debate over the growing dominance of batters in T20 cricket. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has voiced his frustration over flat pitches, smaller boundaries and dew, questioning how bowlers can compete when even massive totals are being chased down with ease. Speaking to JioStar, Chahal said the balance between bat and ball has shifted significantly, with recent IPL and international matches highlighting the challenges faced by bowling attacks.

India posted 249/5 in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday, but the West Indies chased down the target in just 18.3 overs, winning by six wickets to level the five-match series 1-1. Shai Hope smashed an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford hammered 84 off 37 deliveries. Their 120-run partnership proved decisive in a dominant chase. Reacting to the contest, Chahal questioned the conditions bowlers are being asked to operate in. “On such wickets, there’s nothing for the bowlers. When the ball gets old, there’s dew, the ball comes nicely onto the bat, and the grounds are getting smaller,” he said. “So, what should bowlers do? What is the use of their skill?” he added.

Chahal also pointed to the Indian Premier League, arguing that smaller grounds, flat pitches and the Impact Player rule have made it increasingly difficult for bowlers. He recalled how totals of 170-180 were once considered competitive, while teams now regularly score at a much faster rate during the powerplay. “I feel for them, because I am a bowler too and when I bowl in the IPL, on small grounds with flat wickets, you have an Impact Player as well,” Chahal said.

“Earlier, when the Impact Player rule was not there, you used to see 50 runs in six overs, and 170-180 was a fighting total. But these days, 70-80 runs are scored in the first six overs, and the game is done there itself.” Chahal called for better assistance for bowlers, warning that the growing imbalance could undermine the role of skill in T20 cricket. “So, either you have to have something for the bowlers in the wicket, or else just install a bowling machine,” he added. India will look to bounce back in the third T20I in Indore on Sunday, with their bowling attack facing renewed scrutiny after the Ranchi defeat.