Kaif blames weak bowling as India lose to West Indies in Hyderabad

India lost to West Indies by 24 runs in Hyderabad, prompting former batter Mohammed Kaif to criticize the team's bowling line‑up. West Indies posted a massive 247 runs, driven by captain Shai Hope's fourth century in seven tour matches. Hope's hundred anchored the innings and left India with a target that proved too high. India could only manage 223 before being bowled out, sealing a 24‑run defeat.

What Happened

The match was the fourth of a five‑game series. Shai Hope struck 100 runs, taking his tally to four centuries on the tour. India's chase fell short despite a steady start, ending 24 runs behind.

Reaction

Kaif said the loss was caused by poor bowling, noting that the pacers Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh gave away 104 runs in eight overs and Axar Patel 45 in four. He warned that bowlers have not won any matches in the series and that such a mix will not bring a World Cup. Prince Yadav was the only bowler with respectable figures, taking 1 for 36. Captain Shreyas Iyer agreed that the team started poorly with the ball, citing missed line and length and an inability to execute the bowling plan. He added that while the batting approach was sound, the bowling failure cost them.

Context

The series is tied 2‑2 ahead of the final game at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the bowling performance could decide the series winner.