In a tense finish to the fourth T20I match in Hyderabad, the West Indies managed to beat India by 24 runs. However, the match ended on a controversial note, drawing criticism from former Bengal cricketer Shreevats Goswami. He called out West Indies bowler Shamar Joseph for his choice to bowl short deliveries aimed at Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh, despite the game’s outcome being nearly settled.
At the crucial moment, India needed 35 runs from the last over with only one wicket left. Arshdeep, who was facing the bowling, and Mayank Yadav, who was at the non-striker’s end, were in a difficult position. With the win already out of reach, Joseph opted to deliver short balls that targeted Arshdeep’s body.
One delivery hit Arshdeep near his shoulder and arm as he tried to pull it towards the leg side. Pain was clear on his face, and the team’s physios rushed out to check on him. Even though he continued batting, Joseph persisted with the short-ball tactic. Another delivery missed Arshdeep, but he was still struggling with discomfort. Indian captain Shreyas Iyer from the dugout advised Arshdeep to retire, leading to an end to the contest.
Goswami expressed his dissatisfaction on social media following the match, stating, “What Shamar Joseph did in the last three balls against Arshdeep is not in the spirit of the game for me!” He emphasized that while competition is intense in international cricket, Joseph could have chosen a more standard approach rather than aiming to hit a batsman who posed no real threat to their victory.
Joseph, 27, known for his impressive speed, often bowling over 140 kmph, found his tactics in the match’s final moments becoming a hot topic rather than celebrating the West Indies’ triumph. This victory allowed the West Indies to even the five-match series at 2-2, setting the stage for the series decider in Bengaluru, where both teams will compete for the final win.
