The West Indies faced criticism for their aggressive short-ball tactics during the fourth T20I against India, with pacer Shamar Joseph’s barrage of bouncers drawing scrutiny despite the match appearing all but settled.
The West Indies cricket team came under scrutiny following their short-ball antics in the fourth T20 international fixture against India in Hyderabad on Thursday.
Pacer Shamar Joseph repeatedly resorted to short-pitched deliveries, peppering Indian batters with bouncers even when the target was well beyond reach. Tailender Arshdeep Singh faced the impact and even got hurt in the process.
In the final over, Arshdeep started Shamar’s over with a boundary, followed by a wide and a dot. Shamar bowled a bouncer on the third ball, which struck the Indian cricketer on the arm, leaving him in pain.
The medical staff attended to Arshdeep, who decided to continue despite being advised to walk off the field. The Windies pacer bowled yet another bouncer, but Arshdeep eventually walked off as India scored 223.
Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, was not impressed with the visitors’ tactics.
Bouncer barrage sparks debate
While on air, Gavaskar questioned why Shamar aimed at Arshdeep when the stumps were right in front of him.
“He is aiming at him. Why attack the batter when the stumps are right there?” Gavaskar said, as quoted by NDTV.
More from FirstcricketShamar’s antics led to further criticism, as many claimed his actions were unsportsmanlike. Captain Shreyas Iyer told Arshdeep to retire and called the batters back, declaring India’s innings with three balls left.
It was a rare occurrence, as the captain chose to declare the innings despite having deliveries still remaining in a T20 match.
Update on Arshdeep’s injury surfaces
At the post-match press conference, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson provided an update on Arshdeep, revealing that the pacer was icing his injured shoulder and expressing the team’s optimism that he would make a swift recovery.
“Arshdeep is putting ice on his shoulder. Hopefully he gets well soon. He got struck by a high-speed ball. Hope he recovers soon,” Samson said.
The India-West Indies series decider T20 match will take place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.