After losing the ODI series 2-1, West Indies will take India on in an exciting five-match T20I series starting in Tarouba on Thursday. This will be a series to watch out for, as both teams are fielding young and talented squads.
Middle-order batter Rovman Powell has been tasked with leading the hosts in this format, whereas Kyle Mayers has been named his deputy. Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran have returned to the squad after missing out in the ODIs. Shai Hope also returns to this format after being kept out for quite a while. West Indies may not be the best team in the longer formats, but they are a force to reckon with in T20Is. They will be eager to avenge their Test and ODI series losses in this series.
India, on the other hand, will look to dominate here as well. Some fresh faces like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma are in the squad. Hardik Pandya will lead the side, and Suryakumar Yadav has been named vice-captain. Rohit Sharma and Virat have been rested for the series to give the youngsters a chance. Arshdeep Singh is back in this squad and will lead the Indian pace attack. Yuzvendra Chahal, on the other hand, will be leading India's spin bowling department. We might see Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening for India, with Ishan Kishan batting at No.3. Overall, this Indian side looks full of talent and potential, and they will be eager to deliver a good performance again.
Probable Playing XIs
West Indies
Kyle Mayers, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell (c), Odean Smith, Akeal Hossein, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy
India
Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya (C), Axar Patel, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Key Players
Nicholas Pooran: The wicketkeeper-batter smashed an unbeaten 137 to power MI New York to victory in the Major League Cricket Final just a few days back. Now he will look to make an equally good impact on his national team.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The youngster was in great form in the Test series and is coming into this T20I leg on the back of a terrific IPL season. Jaiswal will be looking to carry that form forward into this series.
Match Prediction:
West Indies have always been a powerhouse in this format so some fireworks can be expected from them in this match. But India has the better team overall, and they will probably win this contest.