‘You can’t put a number’: Captain Shreyas Iyer blames heavy dew after India’s defeat against West Indies

India captain Shreyas Iyer, right, and West Indies captain Shai Hope during the toss during the second T20I cricket match of the India-West Indies series, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. (PTI Photo/Salman Ali) India captain Shreyas Iyer said heavy dew and a thumb-friendly pitch made it difficult for his team to defend their total of 249 against West Indies in the second T20I. Chasing the target with nine balls to spare, the visitors won by six wickets and leveled the five-match series.“You can’t put a number on it because when the dew factor comes in, it becomes difficult. Even 249 was scored in almost two overs. The error on that wicket was very small. If you missed it by just a mark, it went into the stands,” Iyer said after the match.

Iyer praises West Indies Batters

Iyer credited West Indies for their excellent batting, especially Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford, whose partnership turned the match in favor of the visitors. Hope remained unbeaten on 102 off 45 balls while Rutherford smashed 84 off just 37 deliveries.“They batted amazingly, credit to them. Both were phenomenal in their respective departments. That’s what we are looking forward to from Sanju and Abhishek and also Mayank. The momentum has shifted towards them after this partnership,” he added.India’s Sanju Samson scored 84 while Mayank Yadav took three important wickets. However, West Indies recovered from the loss of two wickets early to complete a memorable chase.

Hope Credits partnership and preparation

West Indies captain Hope admitted the target looked difficult after his side slipped to five for two. However, a crucial partnership helped the side regain confidence and take control of the match.“That it was going to be a tough chase. Five on two was always going to be tough. When we got that partnership between me and Rovman, we started to believe,” Hope said.“I really believe we need to bat in the partnership. I thought we were going well so it was about taking a calculated risk,” he added.Hope also praised Roston Chase for his bowling on a pitch that favored the batsmen. Reflecting on his own performance, he credited his success to preparation, mental readiness and a bit of luck.“I think the way I’m prepared and mentally prepared probably helps me perform well. I never want to get too high (for success),” he added.