*INDIA VS WESTINDIES 3rd T20I PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
*INDIA FACE A STIFF CHALLENGE AS THE CARIBBEAN ENERGY RISES:*
The Caribbean boys are 2 up with 3 more to play for, they have the players, they have the coaching setup and lastly, they have the form. It’s very much possible for WI to come on top of India and topple them in what would be a remarkable series win for the side only if they maintain their composure and keep their head high.
India have been left reeling bigtime and it’s a worry of sorts. There was once a time where India were dominant as a force in the bilaterals atleast but the continuous chopping and changing of the captains and the players while selecting a XI alongside a defensive mindset from the management has led to this unreal downfall. They now stand at the cusp of a series defeat and only an inspired batting performance alongside some smart captaincy from the skipper can heal this unit.
*INDIA PROBABLE XI:*
Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar
India require their openers to fire. They haven’t been succcesful in setting up a platform as of yet which doesn’t send a strong message ahead of the T20 WorldCup which will be held here next year. Shubman has been found brittle on these slowish tracks, highlighting another weakness that lies in his arsenal. India would look at this duo to find form soon.
While Pandya has found his groove with the white cherry in hand, he has made it tough for himself to get back to his best with the bat. The finisher in him is yet to take re-shape in T20 cricket but that 70 odd knock in the last ODI game that India played, should help his cause as he looks to gain his rhythm back. His hit the deck hard like bowling has been a big boon and should come to the rescue of Hardik and of India as India look to make a comeback into this series which they have allowed to slip from their hands.
Alongside all of this, Hardik and his captaincy will be under a close watch. Lately the 2022 IPL champion skipper has been under the pump and has made some core/major mistakes which have pulled his reputation as a IPL skipper down. He decided to refuse Yuzi an over after that double wicket over from the Indian veteran to be listed as among a few. He will have to be extremely smart and vigilant if he has to turn the sides in the favour of India again.
*WI PROBABLE XI:*
Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell (c), Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Obed
Mayers had a superb IPL season, but he's not been able to replicate that form while playing for West Indies. After a middling ODI series, he's made 1 and 15 in the first two T20Is. His T20I average is currently 20.75. West Indies have continued to show faith in him despite this, and he will hope to contribute consistently in the top order, which has been one of the team's weak links in this series.
Pooran has been at his natural ball striking best. Post that hundred in the American league, the southpaw has been in tremendous touch- sending almost everything over the rooftop and making the bowlers scratch their head. In both matches, the Aggresive left handed has made the venue his own and would be keen upon replicating a similar performance with the kind of form that he is in.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR INDIA:*
Highest run getter- Shubman Gill/Tilak Verma
Highest wicket taker- Yuzi Chahal/Arshdeep Singh
*FOR WINDIES:*
Highest run getter- Nicholas Pooran/Shimron Hetmyer
Highest wicket taker- Akeal Hossain/Obed McCoy
*FOR THIS GAME:*
India to win