‘Just install a bowling machine’: Yuzvendra Chahal’s blunt view of batsman-friendly pitch after West Indies chase 250

India’s 250-run total was not enough to prevent defeat against the West Indies, reigniting the debate about the growing dominance of batsmen in T20 cricket. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal expressed his frustration with flat pitches, smaller boundaries and dew, questioning how bowlers can compete when even huge totals are easily chased down.In an interview with JioStar, Chahal said that the balance between bat and ball has shifted significantly, with the recent IPL and international matches highlighting the challenges facing bowling attacks.

Chahal questions lack of help for bowlers

India posted 249/5 in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday, but West Indies chased down the target in just 18.3 overs to win by six wickets and level the five-match series at 1-1. Shai Hope smashed an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls while Sherfane Rutherford hammered 84 off 37 deliveries. Their 120-run partnership proved decisive in a dominant chase.Reacting to the competition, Chahal questioned the conditions in which bowlers are asked to perform.“There is nothing for the bowlers on such wickets. When the ball gets old, there is dew, the ball falls beautifully on the bat and the pitch shrinks,” he said.“So what are pitchers supposed to do? What’s the use of their skills?” he added.

Chahal is targeting the IPL Impact Player rule

Chahal also pointed to the Indian Premier League, arguing that smaller pitches, flat pitches and the Impact Player rule are making it increasingly difficult for bowlers. He recalled how totals of 170-180 were once considered competitive, while teams now regularly score much faster on the power play.“I feel for them because I am also a bowler and when I play in the IPL, on a small pitch with flat wickets, you also have an Impact Player,” Chahal said.“Earlier, when the Impact Player rule didn’t exist, you’d see 50 runs in six innings and 170-180 was quite a fighting total. But today, 70-80 runs are scored in the first 6 innings and the game plays itself out there.”Chahal called for better help to the bowlers and warned that the growing imbalance could undermine the role of skill in T20 cricket.“So you either have to have something for the bowlers in the wicket or just install a bowling machine,” he added.India will be looking to bounce back in the third T20I in Indore on Sunday, with their bowling attack once again facing scrutiny after the Ranchi defeat.