The second T20I between India and West Indies in Ranchi was a run-fest that stunned everyone including the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. Both teams scored more than 500 runs combined as the West Indies chased down India's massive target of 250 with 9 balls to spare and 6 wickets in hand.

Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive batting left the Indian bowling attack hapless. However, Gavaskar believes that the Indian bowlers failed to deliver when it mattered most, though he felt the heavy dew made life difficult for the home team during the chase in Ranchi.

Sunil Gavaskar slams India's bowling after West Indies level T20I series 1-1

The West Indies made India’s strong 249/5 look achievable with a stunning batting display. Shai Hope smashed a century off just 45 balls, recording the second-fastest T20I hundred by a West Indies batter. Sherfane Rutherford also destroyed the Indian bowling attack with 84 runs off only 37 balls.

After West Indies levelled the ongoing five-match T20I series 1-1, Sunil Gavaskar felt India had scored enough runs and said that the bowlers should have done a better job defending the total.

Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports, "I thought India would score around 235-240 after a couple of quiet overs. India got nine runs more. So, clearly, the batters are not to be blamed. I don't think they fell short. It is quite clear the bowlers did not bowl the way they should have.”

Sunil Gavaskar points finger at Morne Morkel after India's costly bowling show

The former Indian captain also suggested that India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel’s expectations and the bowlers' execution should also be reviewed after such an assault by the West Indies batters.

Sunil Gavaskar further noted, “In fact, it would be interesting if one were to ask the bowling coach what he was expecting from these bowlers and whether they did it or not.” Amid this, Top 10 highest run-chases in T20 cricket history, ft. West Indies' Ranchi win vs India.

Varun Aaron questions India's bowling strategy

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron also raised concerns about India's bowling decisions. He felt the Men in Blue should have continued with pace after the West Indies lost two wickets at the star.

Aaron questioned the decision to bring Axar Patel into the attack in the fourth over, when the spinner had already conceded 16 runs in Ranchi. The former Indian bowler felt India should have dealt Shai Hope and Rovman Powell with the pace with the new ball in Ranchi.

Varun Aaron said, "Giving Axar Patel the fourth over in the Powerplay was absolutely unnecessary because you have two middle-order batters, Shai Hope and Rovman Powell, who are very shaky against the new ball. You should have bowled four overs with pace.”

Notably, the Ranchi T20I has produced a combined total of 501 runs, making it the second-highest aggregate in men's T20I history. South Africa and the West Indies hold the record with 517 runs in Centurion in 2009.

India vs England's 2026 T20 World Cup semifinal follows with 499 runs, while 496 were made in the India vs New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram at the fourth spot.