The India Tour of West Indies is set to kick off with an exciting clash between India and West Indies in the 1st T20I at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on August 3. Both teams have been in decent form in this format, with each side winning three out of their last five matches. However, India enters the series as the favorite.
In their last T20I against New Zealand, despite an early loss of Ishan Kishan’s wicket, Shubman Gill displayed an exceptional performance, dominating every bowler he faced. Supported brilliantly by his teammates, Gill’s unbeaten century helped India set a commanding total of 234 runs. New Zealand struggled to cope with the massive target and was bowled out for a mere 66, resulting in India’s emphatic victory by 168 runs.
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West Indies, on the other hand, faced South Africa in their last match, where South Africa elected to field after winning the toss. West Indies got off to a strong start and posted a formidable total of 220 runs, thanks to the quickfire innings of Nicholas Pooran and Romario Shepherd. Initially, South Africa appeared to be on track for an easy chase with a strong batting lineup. However, West Indies managed to take crucial wickets at the right moments, turning the match in their favor and securing a seven-run victory.
West Indies
Nicholas Pooran, who missed the ODI series due to his participation in Major League Cricket, returns to the T20I side after a match-winning 137 not out. The presence of Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope adds depth to the West Indies lineup, along with Oshane Thomas’ return to the pace department.
Probable XI: Kyle Mayers, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell (c), Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy, Oshane Thomas.
India
As the match approaches, India faces some selection dilemmas. Will they rest Shubman Gill and give Yashasvi Jaiswal an opportunity at the top of the order to partner with Ishan Kishan? Who will occupy the middle-order slot, Tilak or Sanju Samson? With three wrist spin options available, which one will they choose, and which pacer will be left out? Captain Hardik Pandya and the team management have plenty of decisions to make.
Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma/Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya (c), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal/Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Sanju Samson, Nicholas Pooran (vc), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubman Gill (c), Jason Holder, Axar Patel, Kyle Mayers, Kuldeep Yadav, Romario Shepherd
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Nicholas Pooran, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubman Gill, Brandon King, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jason Holder, Axar Patel, Kyle Mayers, Kuldeep Yadav
