During the inaugural T20I of a five-match series between India and the West Indies in Tarouba on Thursday, a humorous event unfolded between Yuzvendra Chahal and Mukesh Kumar. In India's unsuccessful effort to chase down 150 runs at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, a miscommunication occurred over the batting positions of these two tailender batters, leading to a comical scene on the field.
As prominent players from the Indian side fell short in a low-scoring thriller, it was Arshdeep Singh who kindled India's hope by swinging his bat energetically after entering as the ninth batter. He struck two boundaries against Obed McCoy when India required 21 runs in the final two overs.
India's final over began on a sour note when Kuldeep Yadav was bowled out by Romario Shepherd's first delivery. This was the start of a sequence of humorous events. Yuzvendra Chahal emerged onto the field to accompany Arshdeep Singh but hastily retreated after seemingly receiving a call from the pavilion. Then Mukesh Kumar, making his T20I debut, appeared, only for the umpires to intervene.
It appears the Indian management intended for Mukesh to bat before Chahal, but the umpires halted this change, referencing the rulebook as Chahal had already stepped onto the field.
"It's like chess. You can't go back," commented one of the broadcasters as Chahal rejoined Arshdeep.
Ultimately, India fell short in the first T20I against West Indies by four runs after Arshdeep Singh was run out in the final over.
The West Indies, under Rovman Powell's leadership, opted to bat first on a tricky pitch. Powell executed a captain's innings with 48 runs off 32 balls, while Nicholas Pooran added 41 from 34 balls. Their efforts enabled the hosts to set a reasonable target of 150 runs. Chahal and Arshdeep stood out among India's bowlers, both taking two wickets each.
In their chase, Team India's batters crumbled under pressure. Despite Tilak Varma's promising debut, scoring 39 off 22 balls, Team India fell four runs short of their target. Regular dismissals kept the West Indies in contention, with Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder splitting six wickets. Shepherd's final over, successfully defending ten runs, was especially remarkable.
India's chase was plagued by the constant loss of wickets, stalling their progress. Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan failed to establish a strong start, and the middle-order batters, including Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, did not make a notable impact either.
India will look to bounce back when they next face West Indies in the second T20I on August 6.
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