The slow pitches on offer have posed challenges for batting, as acknowledged by skipper Hardik Pandya after their loss in the second T20I on Sunday. India missed an opportunity to score an additional 10-20 runs, and that realization should drive them to perform better in the upcoming match.
Having last lost to the West Indies in a bilateral T20 series in 2016, India currently trail 0-2 in this five-match series, making it even more crucial for them to step up their game.
The shortest format demands aggressive batting from the very first ball, but India’s top-order, comprising Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, has struggled to live up to that expectation.
The top-order’s lack of success has added extra pressure on players like
Sanju Samson and rookie Tilak Varma, who has adapted remarkably well to international cricket.
With the focus shifting towards ODIs in a World Cup year, Gill, Kishan and Suryakumar will be eager to find their form and score runs, particularly with the Asia Cup scheduled to begin on August 31.
“Batters need to take more responsibility,” Hardik’s message was clear to the batters following the two-wicket loss here on Sunday.
India has persisted with a long tail, deploying Axar Patel at number seven to maintain a balanced side, and it seems unlikely to change in the next game.
Kuldeep Yadav, their in-form spinner, was absent from Sunday’s game due to a sore thumb, and his availability for the upcoming match remains uncertain.
The bowlers, particularly the spinners, face the challenge of containing the rampaging Nicholas Pooran, who has been batting dominantly against Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravi Bishnoi. Surprisingly, left-arm spinner Axar wasn’t even utilized in the last game.
Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh showcased their ability to swing the new ball effectively in the second game and will be eager to replicate that performance on Tuesday.
Chahal, making a comeback after a two-month gap, has been impressive in the series. However, Bishnoi’s frequent googlies didn’t manage to apply pressure on the opposition, prompting him to reassess his plans.
Pacer Mukesh Kumar has been conceding the most runs for India, raising the possibility of him being replaced by Avesh Khan or Umran Malik.
The West Indies find themselves in an advantageous position for their first series win over India since 2016. However, similar to India, the West Indies’ top-order has struggled to score runs, leaving the onus on Nicholas Pooran to lead the batting charge.
Once again, players like Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer will be aiming to take on the Indian spinners aggressively.
The home team’s bowlers have done well to keep India’s batting in check and will be determined to maintain that form, especially with the series on the line.
“It’s a very good position to be in. Since 2016 we haven’t won T20 series (against India),” said West Indies skipper Rovman Powell.
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