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'I Don't Think' - Ruturaj Gaikwad Downplays India's Bowling Concern After Maxwell Bashing

image-lpjcazchRuturaj Gaikwad became the first Indian batter to score a T20I ton against Australia. (AP)

Addressing concerns about India's death bowling, Ruturaj Gaikwad dismissed notions that the team is facing challenges in this aspect. Gaikwad's remarks came after India lost the third T20I against Australia in Guwahati on November 28.

Australia opted to bowl after winning the toss, Gaikwad, alongside skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, propelled India to a formidable total of 222/3 at the Barsapara Stadium.

Gaikwad was the star of the first innings as he smashed his maiden international ton, laced with 13 boundaries and seven sixes. The right-handed batter reached his half-century in 32 balls and completed his century in the subsequent 20 balls. 

In the mammoth run-chase of 223 runs, Australia found themselves requiring nearly 50 runs in the last three overs. With 21 runs needed off the final over bowled by Prasidh Krishna, Glenn Maxwell's powerful hitting secured Australia's victory with two boundaries off the last two balls.

Amidst the absence of senior players, India's death bowling has faced scrutiny, evident in the young pacers conceding runs during the latter part of the innings.

Gaikwad, however, defended the team's death bowling performance, pointing to their successful chase of 210 runs in the first game. He emphasized the team's ability to handle challenging conditions and expressed confidence, stating,"

I don't think death bowling is a concern. In these conditions, 12 runs an over, even 13-14 runs an over is gettable. In the first game, you saw how easily we managed to chase 210. The conditions are slightly tougher for them, so we have to accept that and move on,"  as he addressed questions about the difficulty of bowling with a wet ball in the post-match press conference.

In the intense run-chase, Australia found themselves needing almost 90 runs in less than seven overs. Despite the challenging target, Glenn Maxwell's stellar innings, supported by Matthew Wade, made the improbable victory possible. Maxwell's powerful hitting, culminating in a boundary off the last ball, ensured Australia's win, keeping them alive in the series.

The five-match series will continue with the fourth match scheduled in Raipur on Friday, followed by the fifth and final fixture in Bengaluru on Sunday.