Gautam Gambhir says bowlers' careers at stake after India lose

India head coach Gautam Gambhir called for a fairer contest between bat and ball after West Indies chased 250 to win the second T20I in Ranchi by six wickets. He said bowlers are not foreign players and their careers are also at stake when pitches offer little assistance.

Gambhir acknowledged the dew factor but stressed that a world champion side must find ways to defend totals on flat surfaces. He noted West Indies had lost three wickets inside the powerplay yet still won comfortably, adding that India must improve when defending scores above 240.

Gambhir refused to blame the toss, the dew or a dropped catch, saying the team had to accept responsibility for failing to defend 249. The teams meet again in Indore on Sunday for the third T20I.