WI vs IND: 1st T20I Preview – Focus shifts to shortest format as India’s young squad take charge
Following a humongous win in the third ODI, with which team India clinched the ODI series 2-1, the attention will now turn towards the five-match T20I series. The first of the five T20Is is scheduled to be played on Thursday, August 3, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.
Speaking about the Windies, the selection committee announced a 15-member squad. Wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, and Oshane Thomas were recalled for the forthcoming series. Notably, explosive hitter Rovman Powell will lead the Caribbean side. Whereas Kyle Mayers has been named his deputy for the series.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have yet again been excluded from the Indian T20I setup. It is worth mentioning that Tilak Varma and flamboyant batter Yashasvi Jaiswal have received maiden call-ups to the T20I setup.
Speaking about their head-to-head records, the two teams have contested in 25 T20Is thus far. Whereas, India have a massive upper hand with 17 wins to Windies’ seven wins and one match with no result. The two sides last contested in a T20I match in 2022 under the leadership of Hardik Pandya wherein team India won by 88 runs.
In addition to this, following the defeats in the two Tests and the ODI series, the two-time T20 World Champions will be raring to turn things around and obtain results in their favour in the upcoming matches. The Windies last won a T20I series against India in 2017. They will be desperate to end their series victory drought against a young and slightly inexperienced Indian setup.
Pitch Conditions: Coming to the first T20I, the surface at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad offers balance which essentially means that both batters and bowlers will be able to make use of the conditions. The seamers are likely to generate more pace and bounce, coupled with some movement early in the contest.
Venue details: Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad
Last T20I match at the venue: India vs West Indies, 2022 | Result: India won by 68 runs
Here’s the probable playing XI for West Indies vs India clash:
West Indies
With the inclusion of Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope, the side looks solid on paper and will look to push through to clinch the T20Is.
India
With Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill, among others, the Men in Blue have a formidable side on paper. The side will look to play an aggressive brand of cricket under the leadership Hardik Pandya.
