India started the T20I series with a win, just like they did in the ODI series against West Indies. Once again, the bowlers were clinical to restrict the power-hitting West Indies side under 160 runs. Ravi Bishnoi had a dream debut, and he was complimented well by the other bowlers like Yuzvendra Chahal, Harshal Patel, and Deepak Chachar. But still, they will look to resolve their batting issues in the second T20I match.
Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant need to fire in the middle order after the openers get to a brisk start. Kohli hasn’t been the man who decimated the opposition since he left his captaincy. At the same time, Pant is silent with the bat after he played well in the second ODI against South Africa. India will have an eye on the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, and that is why the home team wants their two key middle-order players to get going soon as possible.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was poor in the ODI series against South Africa, also continued his poor form in the 1st T20I. Many believe that Bhuvi and Deepak Chachar are similar bowlers, so Avesh Khan should get a chance in the second game. If Chachar is not available or injured, Shardul Thakur can replace him. Like Bhisnoi, Avesh should also get the opportunity in the next match of the series.
On the other hand, West Indies will want their batters to set up the game. Nicholas Pooran played well along with Skipper Kieron Pollard. But the openers and the middle order batters need to contribute in making the series one all. The tourists have a good bowling attack and all-rounders. They will hope that Jason Holder plays the next two games for them.
Promoting Akkeal Hossain instead of Kieron Pollard or even Odean Smith wasn’t a good idea. That experiment allowed the Indian spinners to choke the West Indian batting lineup. Jason Holder can prove handy for the visitors because of his experience to play the spin well. He can be an asset in the middle order. Jason Holder can be replaced in the middle order, and they can also include Dominic Drakes in their squad as the other fast bowing option for the series decider.
Match Details –
Match – India Vs West Indies 2nd T20I
Venue – Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Day/Date – Friday, 18th February 2022.
Timings – 7 PM IST and 1.30 PM GMT
Toss Time – 6.30 PM IST and 1 PM GMT.
TV channels – Star Sports India Networks.
Live Streaming – Disney Plus Hotstar, Fan Code, Amazon Mini TV, Vodafone TV, JIO TV, Live Cricket App, Live Ten Sports App.
India Vs West Indies 2nd T20I Match – Pitch Report
The pitch at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, will be good for the team which will bowl first. In the 1st match, the dew showed its presence, and Pollard, the WI skipper, was unhappy because the dew factor spoiled the party for the visitors.
India Vs West Indies 2nd T20I Match – Weather Report
The climate is much suited to play a good game of cricket, and the match will not have any rain interruptions.
India Vs West Indies 2nd T20I at Match – India’s probable Playing XI
Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Harshal Patel, Ravi Bhisnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Avesh Khan.
India Vs West Indies 2nd T20I Match – West Indies Probable Playing XI
Brandon King, Kayer Mayers, Darren Bravo, Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard, Roston Chase, Odean Smith, Fabian Allen, Romario Shepard, Dominic Drakes, and Sheldon Cottrell.
India Vs West Indies 2nd T20I Match – Injury Updates
Deepak Chachar injured his bowling hand while fielding in the first T20I. He was forced to leave the field. If the pacer doesn’t make it to the second game, then Shardul Thakur will replace him as an like-for-like replacement.
India Vs West Indies 2nd T20I Match – Fantasy Batsmen
Nicholas Pooran – The Windies batter played well in the first game. Due to his innings, West Indies posted 157 runs on the board. Pooran looked in good touch in the final ODI as well. But there, he couldn’t convert his start into a big score. He needs to play aggressively yet again to square the series.
Rohit Sharma – India’s Hitman loves playing in Eden Gardens. His career-best score of 264 runs against Sri Lanka had come on this ground, and Rohit loves playing against the Windies in the T20Is. He has scored the most runs against them in this format. He looked good in the first game, and the skipper will want to convert his start in the next match.
India Vs West Indies 2nd T20I Match – Fantasy Bowlers
Ravi Bishnoi – The Indian spinner made a spectacular debut in the first T20I. He was also instrumental with Chahal to choke the West Indies’ batting order through their spin. His nerves could have calmed down after his heroics in the first game. He picked up two scalps and got the player of the match award in his debut game.
Roston Chase – The spin bowling all-rounder did well with the ball in the first match. The dew factor went against them. But still, Chase was economical with his spin deliveries. West Indies will need quick wickets upfront, and it won’t be a bad idea if the visitors open with Roston Chase bowling in the second game of the series.
India Vs West Indies 2nd T20I match – Fantasy Team
Batters – Nicholas Pooran, Rohit Sharma, and Kieron Pollard.
Bowler – Ravi Bhisnoi, Roston Chase, and Harshal Patel
All-rounders – Fabian Allen and Shardul Thakur
Wicketkeeper – Rishabh Pant.
Vice-Captain – Ishan Kishan
Captain – Jason Holder
Predictions –
India will seal the series by winning the T20 international match against West Indies.
