India vs West Indies, 1st T20I: Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

Having won the preceding ODI series 3-0, Rohit Sharma’s men would be high on confidence.

Published - 15 Feb 2022, 21:34 IST | Updated - 15 Feb 2022, 21:34 IST

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Team India would like to continue their winning run as they take on West Indies in the first T20I of the three-match series. The encounter takes place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday (February 16). Having won the preceding ODI series 3-0, Rohit Sharma’s men would be high on confidence. However, West Indies thrashed England 3-2 in their last T20I assignment. Hence, tables can turn aroud in the upcoming series.

Besides winning the series, Team India’s focus would be on building a formidable squad for the T20 World Cup later this year in Australia. Notably, the Men in Blue suffered a horrendous campaign in last year’s T20 World Cup, after starting as pre-tournament favourites. Many loopholes in the Indian team were exposed as the team management would look to work on those.

West Indies didn’t either enjoy a great time last year’s competition as they lost four of their five league-stage games. However, they have many potent names in their squad and taking them lightly won’t be wise for India.

Pitch and Conditions

The key to score runs on this pitch would be spending time in the middle. The track is known offer assistance for the spinners, and the only way for the batters to emerge on top is through being patient.

Playing Combinations for IND vs WI

India

Team India is missing services of four of their key all-rounders – Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. KL Rahul is also unavailable due to a hamstring strain. Hence, India’s playing XI is to watch out for.

Ishan Kishan is all but like to partner Rahul at the top while Venkatesh Iyer will be the batting all-rounder. Deepak Chahar has done enough to take the number seven spot. While Ravi Bishnoi’s international debut is on the cards, there would be a toss-up between Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan.

Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur/ Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal

West Indies

As far as West Indies are concerned, they must continue with the combination which earned them success against England. In case Kieron Pollard continues to be unavailable, Roston Chase might replace him.

Predicted XI: Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Romario Shepherd, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Kieron Pollard/Roston Chase, Rovaman Powell, Jason Holder, Fabien Allen, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein, Sheldon Cottrell.