The biggest question before India is regarding the top order. In the Asian Games, Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi opened, while Sanju Samson came at number-3. However, now after the return of Ishan Kishan, only two of the three may get a place in the playing eleven. It is almost certain that Abhishek will play, while Samson, who has scored two consecutive half-centuries, is also expected to get a chance. In such a situation, Suryavanshi may have to sit outside.
Ishan Kishan’s place at number 3 seems almost certain. Ishaan is India’s highest run-scorer in T20 International this year. He has scored 1005 runs in 29 matches at an average of 37.22 and strike rate of 169.47. His record in Ekana, Lucknow is also excellent. Here he has scored one century and three half-centuries in nine innings.
West Indies will also be eyeing a strong comeback. The team has included power hitters like Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd for the T20 series. Hetmyer scored 367 runs in 12 innings in CPL 2026 and his strike rate was 197.31. He was the second highest run scorer of the tournament.
Jasprit Bumrah is not in this series for India. In such a situation, Arshdeep Singh will take charge of fast bowling. Kuldeep Yadav may get a chance in place of Ravi Bishnoi, who could not make much impact in the Asian Games. At the same time, choosing between Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav will also be a challenge for the team. The IPL home ground of both is Lucknow.
Shai Hope is expected to play for West Indies, although he suffered cramps in the third ODI. If Jewel Andrew is not fit, then Kamil Puran, who has performed brilliantly in the CPL, may get a chance to debut.
Lucknow’s pitch is made of a mixture of red and black soil. A lot of runs were scored here in IPL 2026, so the batsmen are expected to get help. Practice of both teams was affected due to rain on Monday, but there is no forecast of rain on the match day.