Windies bowling execution let us down against India - Rampaul

West Indies bowling coach Ravi Rampaul acknowledged that the team's plans unraveled with the ball after India produced a record chase to defeat the Windies by eight wickets in the second One-Day International (ODI) at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

West Indies had appeared to put themselves in a commanding position after posting a record 405 for seven from their 50 overs, with John Campbell, captain Shai Hope, and Amir Jangoo each scoring centuries, the first time three West Indies batters had reached three figures in the same ODI innings.

India, however, turned the contest into a one-sided affair.

Captain Shubman Gill smashed an unbeaten 223 from 113 balls and Rohit Sharma added 101 as India reached 406 for two in just 43.3 overs, completing a record run chase and taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Rampaul points to execution

Rampaul credited India's batters but said the West Indies failed to deliver the bowling performance required to defend such a substantial total.

“It definitely was a good batting performance by the India team in their home conditions on a very good batting-friendly pitch, but definitely our bowlers weren’t consistent enough on a good pitch that was suited for batting and our execution wasn’t on par today,” Rampaul said.

At the halfway point, the Windies believed 405 would give them a realistic opportunity, but they knew their bowlers would have to be at their best on a surface heavily favoring batting.

“At the halfway stage, having 405 runs on the board, we were confident, but we also knew that it was a good batting pitch and we would have to bowl very well to defend the score,” he said.

Instead, India's opening assault immediately shifted the balance.

India seize control in the power play

Rampaul said Gill and Rohit attacked early enough to prevent the West Indies from settling into their defensive plans.

“But having said that, the Indian batsmen played really well in the power play and put us on the backfoot from the start and we were just playing catch-up at the end of the game.”

He acknowledged the quality of India's leading batters but maintained that the Windies' inability to execute their plans was the decisive factor.

“…The top three batters for India are among the best three in the world, but I’ll put it down to our execution as bowlers,” he added.

Plans were prepared, but India countered

According to Rampaul, the bowling group had been supplied with detailed information on India's top order, including potential field settings and tactical variations.

The problem was turning that preparation into effective execution.

“Definitely information was shared to the bowlers and the captain about different field placements for different batsmen and trying different things but it seemed like every time we tried something new, the Indian batsmen had a way to counteract.”

Rampaul said India's current form should not undermine the Windies' belief in their own capabilities.

“Yes, India’s top batsmen are batting well and they have form, but it is just for us to believe in ourselves that we can compete, that we can stick to our strengths and once that opportunity presents itself, we’ll get back there,” he said.

Confidence now the priority

With the series already beyond their reach, Rampaul said the immediate task is rebuilding confidence within the bowling group.

“It’s just to instil that confidence in our bowlers. You know, chasing down 400 runs in 43 overs is not right, but it’s just to instil that confidence in them again.”

The West Indies will now look to salvage the final match of the series after India's extraordinary chase overshadowed one of the most prolific batting performances in their ODI history.