After the exciting ODI series, the focus is now on T20I cricket because India And west indies Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee is set to begin his five-match series at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. India will look to build on their recent strong performances, while West Indies will look to build on the confidence gained from a thrilling end to the ODI series.
With a plethora of match-winners on both sides, the opening encounter promises to be an exciting clash between India's depth and the aggressive batting of the Caribbean team.
India will field with a strong batting combination
India are expected to field with a deep batting line-up, including Abhishek Sharma Of Sanjeev Samson There is a possibility of opening with. Ishaan Kishan can come forward in the order while the captain Shreyas Iyer Expected to handle the responsibility of the middle overs.
Samson's comeback in the Asian Games has not been impressive, but his consecutive half-centuries against Afghanistan should work in his favour. Therefore, he is likely to be retained in the XI for the opening match of the series. This also means that Vaibhav Suryavanshi May have to wait for his opportunity.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Can add balance as an additional all-round option. Akshar Patel He is also expected to be included, providing India with another reliable left-arm spin option and useful batting depth.
Arshdeep Singh likely to return to India's fast bowling line-up
India may make changes to its bowling combination after using an extra batsman in the Asian Games. Suryavanshi's Arshdeep Singh The inclusion was effective on slower Nissin surfaces, but the conditions in Lucknow may cause India to return to a more traditional setup.
Arshdeep's Jasprit Bumrah He is expected to lead the fast bowling in the absence of K.K., who is resting. Changes may also be seen in the spin department. Kuldeep Yadav To Ravi Bishnoi Bishnoi is likely to be included as India's premier wrist-spinner after Bishnoi had a tough performance against Pakistan in the Asian Games final.
India's probable XI for 1st T20I vs West Indies
India are likely to field a balanced combination, which includes batting depth, all-round options and variety in the bowling attack.
- 1. Abhishek Sharma – India are expected to give an explosive start and will look to take full advantage of the powerplay with their aggressive strokeplay.
- 2. Sanjeev Samson (wk) – Along with handling the responsibility of starting the innings and setting the platform, there is a possibility of taking up the responsibility of wicketkeeping as well.
- 3. Ishan Kishan – Can play the role of an aggressive top-order batsman and keep the scoring rate high during the middle phase.
- 4. Shreyas Iyer (c) – The captain is expected to handle the middle order and control the pace of the innings.
- 5. Tilak Verma – An important middle-order option who can score runs quickly when required and provide stability if India loses early wickets.
- 6. Shivam Dubey – Expected to power-hit in the lower middle order and contribute with his medium pace bowling when required.
- 7. Nitish Kumar Reddy – Can provide balance as a seam-bowling all-rounder and strengthen India's batting depth.
- 8. Akshar Patel – Expected to play an important all-round role with his economical left-arm spin and useful contributions with the bat.
- 9. Kuldeep Yadav – India are likely to lead the wrist-spin attack and target the West Indies batsmen during the middle overs.
- 10. Arshdeep Singh – Expected to lead the fast bowling during the powerplay and final overs.
- 11. Prince Yadav/Mayank Yadav – One of these fast bowlers can partner with Arshdeep and provide India with additional pace and wicket-taking ability.