15 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticised West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph after Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh was injured during the fourth T20 International between India and West Indies in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Gavaskar questioned Joseph’s decision to continue bowling short deliveries at Arshdeep when India were far behind the required target.
The incident occurred during the final over of India’s run chase. West Indies had scored 247 runs for three wickets in their 20 overs, setting India a target of 248. With India needing 35 runs from the final six balls and only one wicket remaining, Arshdeep came out to bat at the tail end of the innings.
Joseph bowled a short delivery that struck Arshdeep on his left upper arm and shoulder, leaving the Indian fast bowler in visible discomfort. The team’s medical staff rushed onto the field to assess the injury. Despite the pain, Arshdeep initially attempted to continue batting.
Gavaskar Questions Joseph’s Approach
Gavaskar, who was on commentary duty, expressed his displeasure with Joseph’s decision to keep targeting Arshdeep with short-pitched deliveries. The former India captain suggested that the West Indies bowler could have aimed at the stumps instead, given the match situation.
Gavaskar questioned why Joseph was continuing to attack the batter when the stumps were exposed. His comments sparked discussion among cricket fans about the balance between aggressive bowling and sportsmanship, particularly when a lower-order batter is struggling with an injury and the result appears almost decided.
Joseph bowled another short delivery after Arshdeep had received medical attention. The Indian player continued to struggle, and the situation became a major talking point during the closing moments of the match.
Arshdeep Singh Retires Hurt
Arshdeep eventually left the field after being unable to continue. India captain Shreyas Iyer was also seen signalling from the dugout for the fast bowler to come off.
The incident ended India’s innings at 223 in 19.3 overs, handing West Indies a 24-run victory. The result levelled the five-match T20I series at 2-2, setting up a decisive fifth match.
The injury raised concerns about Arshdeep’s availability for the series decider. After the match, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson said Arshdeep was applying ice to his shoulder and expressed hope that the pacer would recover in time for the next game. His participation in the final T20I remained a matter to monitor following the initial injury update.
West Indies Level the Series
West Indies secured their victory through an outstanding batting performance led by captain Shai Hope, who scored an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls. Sherfane Rutherford also contributed with an unbeaten 49 off 26 deliveries, helping the visitors post a formidable total.
India fought back during the chase, with Sanju Samson scoring 56 off 23 balls and Tilak Varma adding 43 off 25 balls. However, the required run rate remained high, and the Indian side was eventually bowled out before reaching the target.
Gavaskar’s criticism of Joseph added another talking point to an already dramatic match. While aggressive bowling is a normal part of competitive cricket, the incident prompted debate over how players should approach an injured opponent when the match is effectively beyond reach.