Springer: West Indies had little choice but to play defensively against Abhishek Sharma

Indore, 12 Oct 2026 – When the Indian trio set a target of 224, the West Indies knew they were stepping into a tough chase. All‑rounder Shamar Springer, speaking to reporters after the third T20 International, admitted that the team’s only real option was a defensive “Plan B” to try and curb the fireworks from India’s new opening star, Abhishek Sharma.

Sharma, who smashed six fours and five sixes, finished on 69 from just 30 deliveries – his 14th T20I half‑century and, remarkably, the fastest ever to reach 2,000 runs in the format when measured by balls faced. “He’s a world‑class player, no doubt,” Springer said, a hint of admiration in his voice. “But all we could really do was try to keep him to singles and twos, get him moving, nothing fancy.”

The West Indian side tried to apply that simple, low‑risk approach, but the pitch was behaving like a well‑kept carpet. “The wickets are good, the ball is low, the Indian bowlers are using it to their advantage,” Springer explained. “There isn’t much we can change apart from staying defensive.”

India’s partnership of 108 between Sharma and Ishan Kishan (37) powered the hosts to a total of 223‑4. When the visitors came out to bat, Springer himself tried to spark a comeback, whacking four sixes and two fours to finish 35‑not‑out off just 11 balls. Still, West Indies managed only 209‑7, falling short by 14 runs and handing India a 2‑1 lead in the five‑match series.

“We missed a few balls, that’s all,” Springer said, a trace of frustration evident. “If we’d added six more runs in the powerplay or the middle overs, the story might have been different.” He also brushed off speculation that early captain Shai Hope’s dismissal for five had a domino effect on the rest of the innings. “We have depth. Today just wasn’t our day. It was an opportunity for someone else to step up,” he added.

Looking beyond the result, Springer noted that performing well in Indian conditions can be a gateway to T20 league attention, but it isn’t the primary goal. “Winning is the main aim. If you do well against India, the spotlight follows automatically. That’s secondary.”

He also gave some praise to fellow spinner Roston Chase, whose off‑spin has taken six wickets in three games but often flies under the radar. “He’s underrated, but in the dressing room we value his control and calm. He’s been our X‑factor so far,” Springer concluded.