Test matches and one-dayers aside, West Indies are at their best in T20Is. The two-time World T20 champions possess a new and promising-looking squad that has what it takes to beat India as the two teams square off in the first of the three T20Is on Sunday at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
Speaking of which, West Indies captain Carlos Brathwaite returns to the venue where he tonked four consecutive sixes to win West Indies the World T20 two year back. Brathwaite isn’t the only positive for India. The big-hitting allrounder will lead a side that will see the likes of Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo, which surely provides a shot in the arm for the West Indies.
The three players might be returning to the side after a long gap, but their experience of playing various T20 leagues across the world promises to increase the visitors’ chances. Add to that the youngsters Obed McCoy, Shimron Hetmyer and Oshane Thomas who played the ODIs, and will have no shortage of confidence. However, West Indies are coming off series losses against New Zealand, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, suggesting that their run in 2018 hasn’t been the most inspiring.
India, on the other hand, have failed to win the last four T20Is against West Indies and last won against them during the World T20 in 2014. They will be without Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, which means that it’s two more spots available in the middle order for players to try and solidify. Ideally, KL Rahul is the most suited to bat at No. 3, but with Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey and Shreyas Iyer in the side, it can be a three-way battle. Rishabh Pant also adds to the tricky middle order combination.
Date: Sunday, November 4
Time: 730 PM IST
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
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