Jangoo backs Windies to regroup after India defeat

West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Amir Jangoo believes the Caribbean side fell short of a competitive total by around 20 to 30 runs in the opening ODI against India, while acknowledging that the hosts’ quality ultimately proved decisive.
West Indies posted 295 for seven after being sent in, with Justin Greaves making his maiden ODI century and Jangoo contributing a brisk unbeaten 58 from 43 balls. India, however, chased down the target in 41.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Jangoo said the West Indies were aware of the challenge awaiting them in India but had entered the contest determined to compete.
“To be fair, I think we know coming to India would have been an uphill battle, but we know that we wanted to compete and actually win games,” Jangoo said.
“I think getting 296 probably falls short by, say, 20-30 runs, so we know it would have been a… We just tried to make it as difficult as possible for them. Obviously, outstanding players, and yeah, they got the job done.”
Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 139 and Shubman Gill’s 110 powered India to victory, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed four for 40 and was named Player of the Match.
Jangoo believes West Indies could have handled Kuldeep differently, particularly after making a strong start with the bat.
“I think today the ball got a bit older that I noticed, and when it got a bit older, it started to spin a bit more,” he explained.
“But I think all of us are different batsmen, we have our individual skills. So, it’s all about, I think, what all of us have to do is to put him under pressure as well.”
According to Jangoo, West Indies allowed Kuldeep to settle into his spell rather than maintaining the pressure created early in the innings.
“I think we kind of allowed him to get into his spell, given the start that we had as well. So, I think if we had put him a bit under some more pressure, things could have been slightly differently. But having said that, he bowled pretty well, so kudos to him.”
With the second ODI set for Wednesday, September 30, from 04:30hrs, Jangoo said the team must now regroup and identify areas for improvement.
He opined, “I think for us now, it’s just a regroup, see where we went wrong, what we can improve on, and look forward to the next game.”