Less than 48 hours after winning the first T20I in an impressive fashion, India would look to wrap up their 3-match series against West Indies in the second T20I at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday. For skipper Rohit Sharma, a win in the second T20I will give him his second consecutive series win as a full-time captain in the shortest format of the game.
India ticked most of the boxes in the series opener as they had license to experiment a bit in the absence of their key stars including KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Washington Sundar. While leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi rejoiced on his debut, Ishan Kishan looked a bit poor when he returned to the top of the batting order.
However, the highlight of the first T20I was Rohit Sharma’s aggressive approach in the powerplay. Looks like the India captain has consciously brought up his game since the T20 World Cup. Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop said India needs to build The captain is leading from the front on his aggressive powerplay strategy.
Chasing 158, Rohit got off to a great start, smashing 40 off just 19 balls as he completed Ishaan’s struggles as well. Despite a mini middle-order falter, India were able to cross the finish line thanks to Rohit’s blitzkrieg and fine finishing efforts from Suryakumar Yadav and Venkatesh Iyer.
Can Ishaan Kishan step up?
While Rohit would like to do more, India want a better performance from Ishaan. Captain Rohit backed his opening partner and was seen having lengthy talks with the young wicketkeeper-batsman after the first T20I. With Ishan expected to retain his position, India will be well served if big hits start coming in from both ends at the top.
The focus will also be on Virat Kohli, who scored 17 runs in 14 balls before gifting his wicket. The former captain will try to score big runs while maintaining a decent pace.
On the bowling front, India look to be a ranked unit in the first T20I with both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar. Harshal Patel would be a good weapon to use at death as Royal Challengers Bangalore once again showed their class under pressure.
West Indies will be tested once again with the double challenge of wrist-spin from Ravi Bishnoi and Yuzkvendra Chahal. In Bishnoi, India have the option of a wrist-spinner who takes the ball away from the left-hander with his googly. It came as no surprise when Rohit heaped praise on the young wrist spinner, saying that the team is “seeing something different” in him.
Jason Holder boost for West Indies
On the other hand, West Indies, who are yet to open an account on their India tour, have little time to work on their shortcomings. Kieron Pollard wants better performance from his top-order as Brandon King has been unsuccessful so far.
Meanwhile, West Indies also need to revisit their batting line-up as the likes of Kieron Pollard, Odeon Smith and Romario Shepherd who are known to hit it big, scored 7, 8 and 9 respectively in the first T20I. Batted at no.
The return of Jason Holder will also strengthen the West Indies team, who are in dire need of showing motivation to stay alive in the T20 series.
India vs West Indies 2nd T20I Forecast PLAYING XIS
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal.