'You cannot put a number': Captain Iyer blames heavy dew after India's defeat

India's captain Shreyas Iyer, right, and West Indies' captain Shai Hope at toss during the second T20I cricket match of a series between India and West Indies, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. (PTI Photo/Salman Ali)

India captain Shreyas Iyer said heavy dew and a batter-friendly pitch made it difficult for his team to defend a massive total of 249 against West Indies in the second T20I. The visitors chased down the target with nine balls remaining, winning by six wickets and levelling the five-match series. “You cannot put a number to it because when the dew factor comes in it becomes difficult. Even 249 was chased down with almost two overs to spare. The margin of error on this wicket was very minor. It was going into the stands if you just missed it by a mark,” Iyer said after the match.

Iyer Praises West Indies Batters

Iyer credited West Indies for their outstanding batting, particularly Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford, whose partnership turned the match in the visitors' favour. Hope remained unbeaten on 102 off 45 balls, while Rutherford smashed 84 from just 37 deliveries. “They batted amazingly, kudos to them. Both were phenomenal in their departments. This is what we look forward to from Sanju and Abhishek and also Mayank. The momentum shifted towards them after that partnership,” he added. India's Sanju Samson scored 84, while Mayank Yadav claimed three important wickets. However, West Indies recovered from losing two wickets early to complete a memorable chase.

Hope Credits Partnerships and Preparation

West Indies captain Hope admitted the target looked difficult after his team slipped to five for two. However, a crucial partnership helped the side regain confidence and take control of the match. “That it was going to be a tough chase. Five for two was always going to be challenging. When we got that partnership between me and Rovman, we started believing,” Hope said.

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“I really believe we need to bat in partnerships. I thought we were going nicely so it was about taking calculated risks,” he added. Hope also praised Roston Chase for his bowling on a pitch that favoured batters. Reflecting on his own performance, he credited preparation, mental readiness and some luck for his success. “I think the way I am prepared and being mentally ready is probably helping me do well. I never want to get too high (about success),” he added.

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