The off-spinner R Ashwin suggested that tactical choices made during the game had exacerbated the issue and cited a lack of focus on developing bowlers capable of handling difficult circumstances. We don’t have enough quality in our bowling, and we haven’t given it enough attention. I’m not blaming the bowlers. Because of this, the likelihood of creating bowlers of a high calibre is still very low. Because bowling in such circumstances demands comprehension and game awareness, I sincerely hope we dedicate some time to developing elite bowlers. Today, I thought that was a little lacking.” According to R Ashwin’s YouTube channel.
In the second T20I at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on October 9, 2026, West Indies successfully pursued 249 while India’s bowling attack faltered. The visitors won in 18.3 overs thanks to a 120-run partnership between Sherfane Rutherford (84 from 37 balls) and Shai Hope (unbeaten 102 from 45 deliveries). Sanju Samson’s 82 off 41 balls and Tilak Varma’s 44 off 18 balls helped India reach 249 for 5, but the total was not enough. With Shai Hope leading the West Indies and Shreyas Iyer leading India, the outcome tied the five-match series at 1-1.
R Ashwin worries about the development and quality of bowling
R Ashwin made a comparison between the advantage that former captains had and India’s present bowling resources. He cited Jasprit Bumrah as a superb player whose presence had given Indian cricket a considerable advantage in the past. Bumrah stood out from most bowlers in the international game, according to Ashwin, because of his unique ability to bowl defensively when necessary and use a variety of slower deliveries.
As captains, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were somewhat fortunate to have Jasprit Bumrah as a cheat code. In addition to having a good range of slower deliveries, he can bowl defensively when necessary. However, not many bowlers are that talented, and I genuinely worry about Indian bowling’s future,” R Ashwin stated.
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Additionally, R Ashwin criticised certain tactical choices made throughout the game. He questioned the timing of Shivam Dube’s introduction into the attack right after the powerplay and believed that India lacked defensive bowling options. Ashwin stated that Kuldeep Yadav ought to have entered the bowling rotation sooner in order to take advantage of Mayank Yadav’s two or three wickets in the first six overs, which reduced the West Indies to 5 for 2.A score of 250 was good. India simply lacked some defensive bowling, in my opinion.
Shivam Dube was added to the attack right away following the powerplay, after all. I believe that today was a pretty typical day for both captains, Shai Hope and Shreyas Iyer. It would have been time to introduce Kuldeep Yadav into the attack a little sooner after Mayank Yadav claimed the first two or three wickets in six overs, according to R Ashwin.
