The Men in Blue were bundled out for a paltry 181 in 40.5 overs.
The visitors went into the game without their two senior-most players – skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – as the team management wanted to test the bench strength.
As it turned out, the youngsters failed to rise to the occasion. Asked to bat first, the Men in Blue were bundled out for a paltry 181 in 40.5 overs and then the hosts overhauled the target with 80 deliveries to spare.
“We didn't bat in the way we were supposed to. The wicket got much better than the first innings. Disappointing, but got to learn many more things. The way the openers batted, the way Kishan batted, it's important for Indian cricket. Thakur kept our hopes alive,” Hardik said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
In the chase, captain Shai Hope led West Indies from the front, scoring 63 not out off 80 balls to take his team over the finishing line. Keacy Carty also made a vital contribution of 48* in 65 balls.
“Hope batted well, they held their nerves and got over the line,” Hardik added.
The all-rounder also acknowledged that he needs to bowl more in the lead-up to the ODI World Cup in October-November.
“I have to bowl more overs to get ready for the World Cup. Being a turtle at the moment, not a rabbit. Hoping everything goes well during the World Cup. They will be tested, we will be tested now that the series stands 1-1. The next game will be exciting for the viewers as well as the players,” he concluded.
The series-deciding third and final ODI will be played in Trinidad on Tuesday (August 1).