India’s failure to defend 249 against West Indies has renewed concerns over the depth of their bowling attack, with Ravichandran Ashwin warning that the team needs to do more to develop quality bowlers. The former India spinner believes the ability to adapt to high-scoring conditions cannot depend on having a match-winner like Jasprit Bumrah in the attack.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat after India’s six-wicket defeat in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday, Ashwin questioned India’s long-term investment in bowling resources and the game awareness shown during the chase.
IND vs WI, 2nd T20I: Highlights | Scorecard
“It’s not that I’m blaming the bowlers, but we don’t have enough quality in our bowling, and we haven’t placed enough emphasis on developing it. That is why the chances of producing high-quality bowlers remain quite low. I really hope we spend some time grooming high-quality bowlers because bowling in such conditions requires understanding and game awareness. I felt that was lacking a little today.”
“Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were both fortunate in a way because, as captains, they had a cheat code in the form of Jasprit Bumrah. He can bowl defensively when required, and he also has a good variety of slower deliveries. But not many bowlers are that gifted, and I am genuinely worried about the future of Indian bowling.”
India’s defeat came in a contest that produced 501 runs in 38.3 overs. Sanju Samson struck 82 off 41 balls and Tilak Varma made 44 off 18 as India posted 249/5. West Indies reached 252/4 in 18.3 overs, with Shai Hope hitting an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls and Sherfane Rutherford smashing 84 off 37. Their 120-run fourth-wicket partnership turned the chase around and levelled the five-match series at 1-1.
INDIA’S BOWLING PLANS UNDER SCRUTINY
Ashwin also questioned India’s use of Shivam Dube and suggested Kuldeep Yadav could have been introduced earlier. Mayank Yadav gave India an early advantage, taking three wickets inside the powerplay, including two in successive deliveries. He repeatedly crossed 140 kmph after a difficult outing in Lucknow, offering a reminder of the value of trusting a specialist fast bowler’s primary strength.
“250 was a good score. I just feel India lacked a bit of defensive bowling. I mean, Shivam Dube was brought into the attack immediately after the powerplay. I think both captains, whether it was Shai Hope or Shreyas Iyer, had very average days today. Mayank Yadav picked up the first two or three wickets inside six overs, it would have been time to bring Kuldeep Yadav into the attack a little earlier.”
India head coach Gautam Gambhir also called for better balance between bat and ball, arguing that bowlers’ careers were at stake when pitches heavily favoured batters. He acknowledged, however, that conditions could not be the sole explanation for the defeat and said India had to find ways to defend big totals.
A LARGER QUESTION OVER PACE DEPTH
Ashwin’s concerns come as India prepare to give Bhuvneshwar Kumar another opportunity in T20Is at the age of 36. The veteran seamer has been recalled for the five-match New Zealand series, nearly four years after his previous appearance in the format, with Bumrah rested.
The wider numbers underline the challenge. India have tried 23 fast bowlers in T20Is since Bhuvneshwar last played in the format in 2022, but only Arshdeep Singh and Bumrah have made at least 20 appearances among specialist fast bowlers. Injuries have disrupted several careers, while others have struggled to establish themselves as regular international options.
With the series level at 1-1, India have an immediate chance to respond. But the longer-term task is to develop an attack that can adapt its plans, manage high-scoring conditions and defend big totals without relying on Bumrah alone.
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