‘Batting unit needs to show more responsibility’: Sunil Gavaskar hits out at Indian batsmen after fourth T20I loss to West Indies

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Indian batsmen to take more responsibility in chasing targets following their 24-run defeat to West Indies in the fourth T20 International in Hyderabad on Wednesday.India failed to chase down West Indies’ mammoth total of 247 for three, despite Sanju Samson’s quickfire 56 off 23 balls. Keemo Paul picked up five wickets to bowl India out for 223, making the five-match series a decider in Bengaluru.“The first thing this Indian side needs to improve is how they chase. The batting unit needs to show more responsibility. If the batsmen don’t take responsibility, this Indian side will fail,” Gavaskar told JioStar.He also felt that India failed to make the most of the batting-friendly conditions, especially when the batsmen were aided by the dew.

Gavaskar questions India’s batting approach

Gavaskar said India should have built on the strong start provided by Samson, but the other batsmen failed to do so.“Sanju gave India a great start but he didn’t use the rest of the batting at all. Abhishek Sharma played a poor knock which is unacceptable by his standards.”“Ishan Kishan fell straight into Keem Paul’s trap and Shreyas Iyer was not out since his hundred,” he said.However, the former captain defended India’s inexperienced bowlers and said they needed time to learn at the international level despite bagging big scores.“Yes, I know the bowling was bad but these bowlers are not experienced. They are new to international cricket and they will have to hit boundaries or they won’t learn,” he said.

Pujara praises Shai Hope’s batting

Former India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has heaped praise on West Indies captain Shai Hope, whose second century of the series helped his team post a huge total.“Hope has been a problem for India in this white-ball series and he excels at not relying on blind smacking. He supports his natural game and picks the gaps. That’s why he scores so quickly without taking too many risks.”“He is also a good spin player as this pitch was a bit challenging for the batsmen to control the spinners.“But he was very clear. When the batsman has that kind of control, it is very difficult for the bowlers to create pressure,” Pujara said.