Five-match T20I series start tomorrow, 3 August 2023, at 8:00 PM



The West Indies have a strong lineup, but this will be a new beginning for them following a disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup in Australia last year. They did win 2-1 against South Africa earlier this year and will be aiming to build on that performance as they prepare to face India, who are embarking on their own journey as the old guard gives way to the future, if recent choices are any indication.

T-20 over format, it still allows the Indian players a chance to try out for positions in this year's main event. The selectors are expected to pay attention to certain players who have been doing well in the IPL and domestic circuits. While players like Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Ravi Bishnoi, who have previously represented India but have fallen off the radar a bit, will be hoping to capitalise on the opportunity, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma, who have scored prolifically in the IPL, will be eager to take their game to the next level.

Suryakumar Yadav is an important player of the T20I team, and he'll be eager to get going in a format that has worked well for him after an underwhelming performance in the ODI series. Umran Malik, who has not been at his best in the 50-over games, would be eager to regain his groove and put the West Indian hitters on the defensive. Meanwhile, Mukesh Kumar, who impressed in his first series for India in the Test and ODI forms, would want to make an impression in the T20I format as well if given a chance. India has a multitude of spin possibilities, and it remains to be seen who will be chosen.

India

Will India rest Shubman Gill and give Jaiswal a chance to join Ishan Kishan at the top of the order, or will the former bat at No.3? For the middle order, should it be Tilak or Sanju Samson? Which of three wrist spin options should be used, and which pacer should be skipped? There are several selection issues for captain Hardik Pandya and the team management.

Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma/Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya (c), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal/Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.

West Indies

Nicholas Pooran, who missed the ODI series due to Major League Cricket, returns to the T20I squad after scoring a match-winning 137 not out. Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope's arrival adds bulk to the lineup, as does the return of Oshane Thomas to the pace department.

Probable XI: Kyle Mayers, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell (c), Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy, Oshane Thomas.

Squads:

West Indies Squad: Kyle Mayers, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran(w), Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell(c), Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy, Oshane Thomas, Brandon King, Odean Smith, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd

India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan(w), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya(c), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Tilak Varma