Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has expressed strong confidence in India’s chances against West Indies cricket team in their crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash, which he described as a virtual quarterfinal. Srikkanth did not mince words while analysing the Caribbean side. According to him, the West Indies lineup has plenty of power hitters but lacks the bowling strength required to trouble India. He also felt their top order had not delivered consistently in the tournament.
The former opener believes India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are a much stronger and more balanced side heading into the contest. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth pointed out that the West Indies batting can be unpredictable despite their reputation for big hitting.
“West Indies have six hitting capabilities. But who will bowl for them? Ian Bishop only has to come back and bowl for them.” He also questioned the reliability of their top-order batters. “They also have a terrible top order, especially the openers.” Kris Srikkanth did acknowledge one player he believes can pose a threat to India. “Hetmyer is the one good player in the top order, who is also used to Indian conditions.”
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However, he still felt the overall batting lineup lacks consistency. “Their batting lineup is too much of a hit-and-miss. India are a far, far superior side.” Looking at the bowling department, Srikkanth believes the West Indies attack will struggle to challenge the Indian batting unit. “India will smash guys like Shankar Joseph.”
He also pointed to the lack of form among some of the Caribbean batters.
“Brandon King and Shai Hope have not scored at all.” Because of these factors, Srikkanth predicted a comfortable win for India. “It’ll be such an easy win for India that there is no need for even a percentage.”
He also criticised the West Indies’ pace attack, suggesting they lack the speed and movement required to trouble Indian batters.
“The West Indies have only good spinners. Their medium pacers are too easy for the Indian batters.” “They get no movement and have no pace or bounce.” Despite his strong prediction, Srikkanth did mention one scenario where the West Indies could still challenge India — if their powerful hitters get going on a batting-friendly pitch. “The only threat the West Indies can pose to India is by batting first and scoring 240.”
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He suggested that even a slightly smaller total could keep them in the contest.“Maybe even 200 to 210, if they score, they may have a chance.” Srikkanth also referred to the nature of the pitch and ground conditions in Eden Gardens. “Kolkata is a small ground with a flat pitch, which works for both sides.” Still, he feels India’s batting depth would ultimately overpower the Caribbean side in a high-scoring contest. “If the West Indies hit 15 sixes, India will smash 18 sixes.”
