In the fourth T20 match between India and West Indies, held in Hyderabad on Wednesday (October 14), the bowling tactics of West Indies bowler Shamir Joseph caused significant controversy. West Indies won the match by 24 runs, leveling the series at 2-2.
Sriwats Goswami, a former cricketer from Bengal, expressed dissatisfaction with Joseph's actions in the final over against Arshdeep Singh. He stated that instead of targeting Arshdeep Singh's body, Joseph should have bowled to the stumps, especially when India's chances of winning were virtually gone.
India needed to score 35 runs in the last over while having only one remaining batting wicket. Arshdeep Singh was batting, and Maink Yadav was at the opposite end. Under these conditions, a West Indies victory was considered highly probable. Shamir Joseph used short balls against Arshdeep in this over; one such delivery hit the Indian fast bowler's shoulder and arm, causing Arshdeep to fall on the field and requiring a physiotherapist.
After a short break, Arshdeep Singh resumed play, but Joseph continued to use short deliveries. Following this, India's captain, Shreyas Iyer, indicated that Arshdeep should be declared injured, thus ending the Indian innings. Goswami reiterated his indignation regarding Joseph's conduct, writing: 'What Shamir Joseph did on the last three balls against Arshdeep contradicts the spirit of sportsmanship.'
Sriwats Goswami acknowledged that international cricket is an extremely competitive sport, but in his opinion, the bowler always had another option in such a situation. He emphasized that Joseph could have bowled to the stumps instead of constantly aiming short balls at the batsman's body. His comments drew attention to Joseph's strategy in the final over, although this remains Goswami's personal opinion.
Overall, West Indies, having lost the toss and batting first, scored 247 runs, losing three wickets. In response, the Indian team managed to reach 223 runs but ultimately lost the match by 24 runs. This victory allowed the visiting team to level the series at 2-2. Shamir Joseph is known for his fast bowling and regularly bowls at speeds exceeding 140 kilometers per hour.