After securing victory in the three-match ODI series against West Indies with a 2-1 score, Team India is now turning its attention towards the forthcoming five-match T20I series. The T20Is are set to commence with the initial match scheduled at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad on Thursday.
Also Read: Which Team has Won Most T20I Matches in Last Three Years
Subsequent to that, the second and third encounters will take place in Guyana, while India will conclude their tour of the Caribbean with two matches in Florida. Guided by all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who also led the team in the last two ODIs, Team India will navigate the T20Is, as Rohit Sharma takes a rest.
Starting the ODI series with a triumph, Team India encountered a setback in the second match, experiencing a loss by six wickets. Nevertheless, the visitors rebounded impressively, securing the series with a commanding 200-run victory in the decisive match.
Shifting the focus to the T20Is, India has faced West Indies 25 times in this format, with a dominant performance from the Men in Blue. They have emerged victorious in 17 encounters, while the Windies managed only four wins.
Despite India’s favourable T20I record against West Indies, there are three players in the Windies squad that India should be cautious of during the T20I series.
Nicholas Pooran
Experienced batsman Nicholas Pooran is heading into the home series against India with a surge of confidence. He showcased remarkable form in the recently concluded Major League Cricket (MLC) 2023.
Pooran emerged as the highest run-scorer, accumulating 388 runs in eight matches, maintaining an impressive average of 64.67 and a striking strike rate of 167.24. The aggressive left-handed batter saved his best performance for the final, smashing an unbeaten 137 runs off just 55 balls, leading MI New York to victory in the inaugural MLC.
In a breathtaking display of skill, Pooran struck 10 fours and 13 sixes. Pooran’s exceptional performance in the final match was the culmination of an impressive streak, which also featured consecutive half-centuries.
Although Pooran’s incredible talent has never been in question, he has often struggled to deliver, whether playing for West Indies or his franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), especially in recent years.
However, following his outstanding success in MLC 2023, Pooran is undoubtedly eager to challenge the Indian bowlers once again.
Shimron Hetmyer
Shimron Hetmyer known for his powerful hitting, had a disappointing ODI series against India. Across three matches, he managed scores of 11, 4, and 9. Unfortunately, his dismissals were equally underwhelming. In the first match, he attempted an awkward scoop and was bowled by Ravindra Jadeja. In the second game, he fell victim to Kuldeep Yadav’s spin.
The third ODI concluded with Hetmyer chipping a catch to cover off Shardul Thakur. Being a senior member of the West Indies team, Hetmyer must be disheartened by his performance. He will look to redeem himself in the upcoming T20Is, where his resurgence could pose a significant challenge to India.
Obed McCoy
Obed McCoy is another left-arm pacer who has troubled Indian batsmen, joining the ranks of Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Trent Boult, and Mitchell Starc. McCoy, at 26 years old, has previously found success against India. Notably, he achieved his best T20I figures of 6/17 against India in Basseterre during August 2022. This impressive performance led to India’s dismissal for 138 in 19.4 overs. West Indies successfully chased down the target, securing a five-wicket victory.
McCoy boasts a commendable T20I record, having taken 38 wickets in 27 matches at an average of 19.97 and a strike rate of 14.2. His record includes two four-wicket hauls in addition to his six-wicket feat. McCoy is eager to once again make an impact against the Indian batting lineup.
