West Indies levelled the five-match series 1-1 after chasing down 250 in Ranchi with nine balls to spare.
India suffered a six-wicket defeat in the 2nd T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on October 9, 2026. West Indies chased down 250 in just 18.3 overs, finishing at 252/4 to level the five-match series 1-1.
Despite posting 249/5 in their 20 overs, India's bowlers and batters both showed areas that need attention before the 3rd T20I.
Here are three things the Indian side must address:
1. Bowling execution and death-over planning
India's bowling attack took two wickets in the very first over of the West Indies chase, reducing the visitors to 58/3 inside six overs. However, Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford then added 120 runs together to turn the match completely around. Hope finished unbeaten on 102 off 45 balls while Rutherford contributed 84 off 37 balls. Mayank Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with 3/36 in three overs, but Kuldeep Yadav conceded 53 runs in four overs for just one wicket and no other bowler took a wicket.
India also bowled four overs of spin in what turned out to be the final five overs of the match. Head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged that the team needs to find ways to defend large totals regardless of playing conditions. With dew likely to remain a factor in night matches, India's bowlers will need to vary their lengths and lines more effectively to prevent batters from timing the ball so freely.