India captain Shreyas Iyer on Wednesday conceded that poor execution of line and length by his bowlers was the primary reason behind India's 24-run defeat in the 4th T20I against West Indies at Hyderabad, a loss that levelled the five-match series 2-2 and sets up a series decider in Bengaluru. Despite the setback, Iyer firmly backed his side's aggressive batting approach, calling it the right template even while chasing a steep target.

West Indies Post Mammoth Total

West Indies posted a formidable 247/3, anchored by skipper Shai Hope's unbeaten 102 off 50 balls — a dominant display of power-hitting that took the game away from India in the first innings. Sherfane Rutherford provided explosive support with 49 not out off 26 deliveries, and the two added an unbeaten 91-run stand for the fourth wicket to ensure West Indies had an imposing total on the board.

Shreyas Points to Bowling Breakdown

Reflecting on the defeat, Iyer was candid about where India came undone. 'Yeah, it all started with bowling. I think we didn't execute our line and lengths well, and at the end of the day, chasing 250, you have to go in a certain pattern when you're coming in chasing. So I like the approach when we were chasing, but we were unfortunate we couldn't execute our plans in bowling, and that's where we fell a bit short,' he said.

He also acknowledged that the Hyderabad surface offered some assistance to bowlers — particularly in the middle overs — where the ball held up and produced occasional uneven bounce. 'Yeah, it was holding a bit, and there was some odd bounce as well. But yeah, knowing that, I feel the bowlers, they realised it. They are bowlers, and the way they bowled according to the field, that's what was important, especially in those middle overs,' Iyer added.

Iyer Backs Batting Approach Despite Chase Falling Short

India were restricted to 223 in their chase of 248, with Keemo Paul claiming a five-wicket haul to derail the innings. Despite falling short by 24 runs, Iyer was satisfied with the team's intent at the crease. 'Obviously, you know, getting 220, especially when we were chasing, and then scoring 250, you can see the approach and attitude of every individual. So the approach is going to be the same,' he said.

When asked whether Abhishek Sharma's limited time on strike had disrupted India's start, Iyer dismissed the concern, instead crediting West Indies for smart, disciplined bowling. 'Not really. We were still going 12 an over at that point in time. It's just that they executed their plan, and there was a bit to offer from the wicket as well. The ball was kicking a bit, and they used the field pretty well. So credit where it's due, and their execution was spot on,' he said.

Eyes on Series Decider in Bengaluru

Iyer praised West Indies' ability to reassert control even after India threatened to seize momentum mid-chase. 'Even though the momentum shifted towards us in between, still the ability to bounce back was top-notch, and I'm sure the fifth one would be an interesting one,' he said.

Looking ahead to the 5th T20I in Bengaluru, Iyer stressed that execution — not overthinking — would be the key. 'I feel going forward we don't have to think much about, you know, our bowling, but it's all about execution and having that fresh mindset where you come on that given day and see to it that you seize the moment,' he said. With the series poised at 2-2, India will need their bowlers to deliver on that promise in a must-win finale.