IND vs WI: 1st T20I Preview – Pollard’s men brace for India challenge
After conquering the pink ball Test, India return to the limited-overs cricket with a series of 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs against West Indies. India have lost two of their last four T20Is and will be itching to make a stronger statement by defeating the reigning world champions. Although this will be West Indies’ first match of the tour, they have stayed on the Indian shores for the last month or so. They did overcome Afghanistan in longer formats but lost 1-2 in the T20 series. They will now face the daunting challenge of Virat Kohli’s Indian team.
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Match info:
Talking points:
T20I swap
This T20I match was initially allotted to Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. However, due to security reasons, the encounter was swapped with Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Mumbai shall now host the third T20I on 11th December.
Pant conundrum
The 22-year old talented batsman-wicketkeeper is yet to cement his place in the Indian T20I side. After 23 T20Is, he averages only 19.88. He has also come under scrutiny for his ill-advised DRS usage. With the likes of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan knocking on the door, Pant may have only a few opportunities to seal his spot.
Numbers to look forward to
Team News:
India:
A knee injury has forced India’s opener Shikhar Dhawan out of the series. Middle-order batsman-wicketkeeper Sanju Samson has replaced him. India is likely to use KL Rahul as an opener with Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer will handle the middle order. Rishabh Pant and Shivam Dube shall be responsible for power-hitting in late overs. Yuzvendra Chahal is likely to lead the spin attack with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to support. Deepak Chahar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be the primary pace choices.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
West Indies:
Windies team management did give opportunities to CPL 2019’s highest run-getter Brandon King but he managed only 17 runs in three T20Is against Afghanistan. With Nicholas Pooran not available due to ball-tampering charges, King may get another opportunity. Captain Pollard and Jason Holder will be the all-rounders.
Probable XI: Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Kieron Pollard (C), Jason Holder, Hayden Walsh Jr., Fabian Allen, Keserick Williams, Sheldon Cottrell
