IND vs WI: 1st T20I Preview – Struggling Windies seek a turnaround
West Indies will have a point to prove as they take on India in the upcoming three-match T20I series. The opening encounter takes place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday (February 16). Having lost the preceding ODI series 0-3, the Men in Maroon would be raring to bounce back in the format they are known to do exceedingly well.
As far as Team India is concerned, they would like to continue their winning run. Meanwhile, the series holds great significance with a T20 World Cup taking place later this year in Australia. Both sides would like to test their players in order to build a formidable squad for the mega tournament. While India would step into the series as favourites, West Indies can’t be taken lightly.
Match Info:
India vs West Indies, 1st T20I
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Date: 16 February 2022
Time: 07:00 PM IST
Head to head:
These two sides last met in T20Is when West Indies toured India for three T20Is in 2019. Some exciting battle was on display in the series as players from both teams showcased their potential. India, however, clinched the series 2-1.
Team News:
India
Four of India’s primary all-rounders – Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel – won’t feature in this series due to fitness issues. KL Rahul is also out of action thanks to a hamstring strain. Hence, Ishan Kishan is all but like to partner Rohit at the top. Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi might also receive their maiden T20I caps.
Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur/ Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal
West Indies
West Indies defeated England 3-2 in their last T20I assignment. As all of their players from that series are available, they won’t face much trouble in picking the line-up. However, if skipper Kieron Pollard continues to be out of action due to fitness issues, Roston Chase might get a chance.
Predicted XI: Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Romario Shepherd, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Kieron Pollard/Roston Chase, Rovaman Powell, Jason Holder, Fabien Allen, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein, Sheldon Cottrell.
