Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad defended Indian bowlers after they failed to defend an imposing total off 222 runs in the third T20I against Australia.
Indian bowlers leaked 80 runs in the last 5 overs, with Prasidh Krishna conceded 23 runs in the last over. For the record, Krishna’s 0/68 in 4 overs is the worst T20I figure by any Indian bowler.
“I don’t think so it’s a concern because it’s almost like you are bowling with a wet ball. And it’s really tough on them,” Gaikwad told reporters during the post-match press conference.
“In these kinds of conditions, 12 runs per over or even 13 or 14 runs per over is gettable, even while we are chasing, In the first game, how easily we managed to chase 210,” he said.
“So I think, I don’t think so definitely there’s not a concern at all. It’s just that the conditions are slightly tougher for them, and we have to accept and move on.”
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell bats during the third T20 cricket match between India and Australia India in Guwahati, India. (AP)
Gaiwakd, who scored a 57-ball 123, showered praise on Glenn Maxwell, whose 48-ball-104 not out single-handedly won the match for Australia.
“I think even Maxi batted really well. To win from a situation where they needed 100 from seven and a half hours and then 50 from 3 overs, I think it was critical innings for him,” Gaikwad said.
“And I think from our side, our bowlers tried executing whatever they had in their control. Also, there was a lot of dew around so ball was slipping a lot. So I think it was tough for the bowlers as well.
“Even though we scored 230, in the last game, it was still in between we felt the game might go till the last over, but this kind of dew it is these totals are bound to happen and bound to chase.”
India will Australia in the fourth T20I on Friday at Raipur.