Mohammed Kaif Slams India’s T20 Bowling Combination After West Indies Defeat

Former India batter Mohammed Kaif has criticised India’s bowling combination following the team’s 24-run defeat to the West Indies in the fourth T20 International in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Kaif warned that India would struggle to defend its T20 World Cup title in 2028 if the bowling unit continued to perform at its current level.

The defeat allowed the West Indies to level the five-match T20I series 2-2, setting up a decisive final match in Bengaluru. Batting first, the visitors posted a formidable 247 for three in 20 overs, powered by captain Shai Hope’s unbeaten century. Hope scored 102 runs off 50 deliveries, putting India’s bowlers under sustained pressure.

India failed to contain the opposition’s batting attack, with frontline pacers Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh conceding a combined 104 runs in eight overs. All-rounder Axar Patel also struggled, giving away 45 runs in his four overs. Prince Yadav was comparatively economical and finished with figures of one wicket for 36 runs.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Kaif held the bowling department primarily responsible for the loss. He argued that while batters could win matches through strong performances, bowlers also needed to deliver victories in a five-match series. According to him, India’s bowlers had repeatedly failed to provide that crucial support.

Kaif also questioned the team’s tactical approach, suggesting that the bowlers had not adapted adequately to the Hyderabad pitch. He pointed to the slower bouncer as a potentially effective option that India failed to utilise against the West Indies batters.

India captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged that the team had fallen behind because of its bowling performance. He said the bowlers failed to execute their intended line and length, allowing the opposition to build a massive total.