Former India batter
During the match, India posted a formidable total of 351, yet the bowling attack proved unable to defend the score, allowing the West Indies to chase down the target in 48.2 overs. Vihari, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted this result as a significant warning sign regarding the current state of the team's bowling depth and their ability to perform on flat surfaces.
Addressing Bowling Vulnerabilities and Reliance on Key Stars
Vihari expressed strong reservations about the team's current over-reliance on Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya to provide breakthroughs. He argued that the squad requires more reliable, experienced options to ensure stability, particularly when managing injury risks or facing high-pressure situations against top-tier international opponents.
The former Test batter specifically pointed to the recent performances of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has remained a consistent performer in the IPL. Over the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the 36-year-old has claimed 45 wickets in 30 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Vihari maintained that Bhuvneshwar’s ability to control the new ball and his overall experience make him an essential asset for the national side, despite the pacer not having featured in an ODI since 2022.
Concerns Over Backup Options
The critique extended to the performance of the younger bowlers utilized in the recent series. Vihari noted that the expensive spells delivered by Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy were particularly alarming. He suggested that the ease with which the West Indies reached the target exposed significant gaps in the current bowling rotation.
Vihari emphasized that the team cannot afford to be caught off guard by such results, especially when considering the strength of other major cricketing nations like Australia, South Africa, and England. By advocating for the return of Shami alongside Bhuvneshwar, Vihari believes the team can secure the necessary experience to handle critical phases of play, providing a more robust safety net for the squad as they continue their preparations for the next World Cup cycle.
