Virat Kohli is back among runs. Rishabh Pant’s stature in T20Is has found reassurance. Venkatesh Iyer seems to be evolving into the player the Indian team management wants. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has found his mojo back. Ravi Bishnoi has enhanced his reputation, and Harshal Patel has lived up to it. India’s 2-0 lead reflects the gains, which is more pleasing than the margin.
Despite the scoreline, West Indies will not be too disappointed either. The weaknesses are not too glaring. While they have had issues with the top order and fielding, their gains are significant. Rovman Powell and Roston Chase have emerged as forces. Consistency has plagued the career of Nicholas Pooran, who finally seems to have arrested the chatters for the moment with two fine fifties.
The dead rubber at Eden Gardens holds more importance for the West Indies, who are still searching for a win this tour. They did contest well in both the T20Is, holding the upper hand at times.
ALSO READ: India drop Pujara, Rahane, Ishant, Saha from Test squad, add Samson to T20Is
February rains in Kolkata are uncommon, and a threat looms over the fixture. The super soppers and the venue’s drainage system may be tested here. On a pleasant evening, dew remains a worry for whoever bowls second. But Rohit Sharma will not mind batting first and risk a ninth win on a trot if that means he can test his side by purposely placing them in a grinder.
Likely XIs
Rohit des not like the word “experimentation.” To put it in another way, India will look to provide an opportunity to their bench. Breaks to Kohli and Pant have opened the doors for Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer.
With Gaikwad available, the struggling Ishan Kishan, who will keep wickets, is expected to move down to No. 3. India may field Kuldeep Yadav for Yuzvendra Chahal, while one of Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan may get a nod ahead of Deepak Chahar.
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur/Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi.
Chase’s presence has strengthened West Indies’ spin attack. However, their batters will look to seek solutions against the Indian wrist spinners. Instead of bringing in reinforcements, they may rejig their power-packed batting lineup as per the situation.
However, they may be tempted to give Dominic Drakes a game in place of Sheldon Cottrell.
West Indies: Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell, Kieron Pollard (c), Jason Holder, Odean Smith, Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, Sheldon Cottrell/Dominic Drakes.
Fantasy tips
- If Gaikwad plays, pick him. He has been in sublime form since the IPL, where he won the Orange Cap.
- Rohit and Pooran hold key to the batting of their respective sides. They can be made captain and deputy.
- Try and pick as many all-rounders and wrist spinners to maximise points.
Fantasy XI
Rohit Sharma (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nicholas Pooran (vc), Suryakumar Yadav, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Roston Chase, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal/Kuldeep Yadav.