India vs West Indies T20Is: ‘Young’ India vs ‘Wounded’ Windies will be a fiery battle

I feel that this is West Indies’ best chance to beat the powerful Indian side in a series. This will be a five-match series so there’s a better chance to make a comeback even after you get off to a losing start. West Indies have been playing the T20s better than the other two for mats, and let’s hope they can come at Indians strongly here. I still think India can possibly hold a little bit of edge knowing they have been clinical in all departments in recent times.

Big question for me will be how much India will be looking to tinker with the T20 side, given that the Asia Cup is coming up soon. I know that tournament is being played in 50 -over format, but it is still white-ball cricket and Indian management would be keeping a close eye on how the T20I outfit goes about things in the middle.

There has been a lot of talk about Suryakumar Yadav and whether India need him in the ODI World Cup or not. If he goes berserk with the bat, like he does in T20s often, he will make his case stronger for selection. Same applies to young guys in the team like Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal. The fact that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not there for the T20I puts extra pressure on the shoulders of the young guns to perform and excel.

It will also be exciting to see how the bowling department does. Like the batting unit, the bowling department is also filled with fresh legs. As India’s head coach Rahul Dravid said a couple of days ago, the Men in Blue are looking to try out some of these youngsters to have a better understanding of which players to zero in on ahead of Asia Cup 2023 and then World Cup.

Many regulars are missing in the team like Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur as India also look to rotate players and give them much-needed breaks in between as there is non-stop cricket being played right now, internationally and in leagues.

I am eager to see how Yashasvi Jaiswal goes in T20Is. Not to forget, it was his successful stint in IPL 2023 that got him a ring from the selectors. He made a remarkable Test debut, and all eyes will now be on him to see how he goes in the format he thrives in. It will be a toss-up between him and Ruturaj Gaikwad for the opening slot, considering Ishan Kishan or Shubman Gill come a wicket down. It is a five-match series and there is a big likelihood that captain Hardik Pandya and coach Rahul Dravid will be looking to play all the squad members in these games.

After a very long time, it will be exciting to see Arshdeep Singh in India colours. Ravi Bishnoi has also been picked as the third wrist-spin option. Yuzvendra Chahal has not got a game yet on this tour. So, expect him to feature in the first T20I and Bishnoi, Kuldeep getting a go later in the series.

This series is equally important for the West Indies. If India are looking to have a better clarity of thought ahead of some important tournaments ahead, Windies will be looking to bounce back in the format in which they have seen most of the success in the last decade.

West Indies cricket has been hit massively bu the trend of players choosing to play in overseas leagues than playing internationals. But I am hoping that the recent upsets will work as a source of motivation for the Men in Maroon to make a strong statement with their cricket and prove their critics wrong. I still feel that West Indies have the talent to do so.

A look at their squad can excite you. Rovman Powell, who is the captain for this side, is a poweranchor and had proved so in many matches for West Indies and in overseas leagues. Jason Holder retains the place in the T20Is and his experience will come handy against the strong Indian side. Nicholas Pooran is also there. He has been in tremendous form and all eyes will be on him in this series.

Shimron Hetmyer is back in T20Is too and it will be interesting to see how he goes in this series. Kyle Mayers will have the respect of the Indian cricketers after his successful time in IPL this year, where he did well for Lucknow Super Giants with both bat and the ball.

The bowling department is quite capable of challenging the India batters too. Oshane Thomas and Alzarri Joseph can build up good pace. Roston Chase and Akeal Hossain are spin options. Not to forget, in-form ODI captain Shai Hope has also been selected for the T20Is which is a good decision.

I am expecting this series to be more closely contested. India look favourites but that does not mean West Indies cannot pull off an upset here. Let’s hope the two teams produce some world class cricket for the fans.