Last weekend was no less than an emotional rollercoaster for most players in both India and West Indies camps, with some of them earning the monikers of a millionaire.
Rohit Sharma put it aptly when he said that the Indian Premier League auction was done and dusted, and that their "focus returns to the colour blue" (though his team, Mumbai Indians, don the same colour). Kieron Pollard, too, wanted his side "to put their best foot forward for West Indies."
The arena shifts to Eden Gardens, Kolkata, for the three T20Is. Playing at home and riding high on the 3-0 win in the ODIs, India clearly have the edge. But if there is one format where West Indies pose a threat to India, it is Twenty20.
Trivia: Since 2006, West Indies have lost 12 of their 20 Tests against India, winning none. In ODIs, the W/L ratio reads 0.46. But in T20Is; it is a not-too-bad 0.6.
Both teams failed to meet the expectations in the T20 World Cup last year, failing to advance beyond the group stage. However, both sides are better than what they fared in the mega tournament.
India have hit a winning streak, remaining unbeaten in six T20Is, which includes a whitewash against New Zealand. West Indies beat England 3-2 last month.
In the ODIs, not batting out 50 overs has been a lingering issue for the West Indies. The compressed format provides their batters of being in their comfort zone.
Meanwhile, Rohit has made it clear that 20-over matches hereon will be a preparatory ground for the T20 World Cup later this year. The teams will not mind Eden Gardens as the venue. The surface offers bounce and carry, and the conditions help movement. However, dew can be a severe factor at this time of the year, which will make the toss crucial.
Likely XIs:
Injuries in the Indian camp have forced the think tank to adopt a different approach. Between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan, the latter, a left-hander, is likely to get a nod. If India want six men who can bowl, Venkatesh Iyer may go on to be preferred ahead of his more illustrious Kolkata Knight Riders teammate Shreyas Iyer.
Pant could have been rested, with Kishan keeping wickets to accommodate both Iyers. However, since Pant has been named Rohit's deputy for the series, that seems unlikely.
Taking a leaf out of Pakistan's strategy to open with Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, Rohit can open with Virat Kohli. The ploy came off well against England in the final T20I in Ahmedabad last year. However, with K.L. Rahul around, will it be a long-term approach?
Despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, India are spoilt for choices in the pace bowling department. It is clear that India have the Australian conditions in mind and will want to give a run to hit-the-deck bowlers than the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar, who look to move it in the air.
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With Harshal Patel set to retain his place, one of Bhuvneshwar, Thakur or Chahar will play. Avesh Khan looks set for an international debut.
India: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan.
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The big boost for West Indies is the return of their captain Pollard. They are likely to retain the core that won them the series against England. Odean Smith's presence will strengthen the pace attack and add depth to the batting. And then there is Jason Holder, who comes with a renewed reputation of an invaluable all-rounder.
Their only dilemma is whether they would want a grafter, in Darren Bravo or Roston Chase, who had a brilliant CPL.
West Indies: Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell, Kieron Pollard (c), Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein, Sheldon Cottrell.
Fantasy tips:
- It is Eden Gardens, so Rohit has to be your captain. He has a knack for creating magic at this venue.
- Harshal and Holder have been in good form. Pick both.
- Smith and Chahar's all-round abilities make them valuable picks.
Fantasy XI
Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rovman Powell, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Nicholas Pooran, Jason Holder (vc), Odean Smith, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Avesh Khan.