West Indies will aim to begin their five-match T20I series against India on a strong note when the two teams meet in the first game. The Caribbean side has a good mix of experienced campaigners and players who have recently made an impact in international cricket. Shai Hope is expected to take charge as captain and wicketkeeper, while the batting lineup has several players capable of scoring quickly in the powerplay and middle overs.
The likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford bring plenty of T20 experience, while Roston Chase and Romario Shepherd provide valuable all-round options.
Here is West Indies’ predicted playing XI for 1st T20I vs India:
Top-order: Shai Hope (C) (WK), Amir Jangoo, Shimron Hetmyer
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Shai Hope is expected to open the innings and lead the side from the front. The right-hander comes into the T20I series after an excellent ODI series against India, where he scored 278 runs in three matches. His unbeaten 162 in the third ODI was one of the highlights of the series and showed his ability to bat deep and control an innings.
Amir Jangoo also enters the series with plenty of confidence after scoring 239 runs in the three ODIs, including a century. He could partner Hope at the top and provide an attacking option during the powerplay. Shimron Hetmyer is likely to follow them and adds considerable experience to the top order. His ability to attack both pace and spin makes him a dangerous batter in T20 cricket.
Middle-order: Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd
Roston Chase is expected to provide stability in the middle order while also giving West Indies an additional all-round option. He can rotate the strike and accelerate when required, while his off-spin could also be useful. Sherfane Rutherford is likely to take on the role of an aggressive middle-order batter. The left-hander has established himself as a reliable T20 player across different leagues and can change the momentum of a game with his power-hitting.
Rovman Powell brings vast T20 experience and is expected to play the role of a finisher. He has the ability to clear the boundaries consistently and can be particularly dangerous in the final overs. Romario Shepherd adds further depth to the batting lineup and can contribute with both bat and ball. His ability to score quick runs lower down the order makes him an important player in this combination.
Bowlers: Keemo Paul, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie and Matthew Forde
Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie are likely to lead the spin attack for West Indies. Both left-arm spinners have considerable experience in T20 cricket and can be difficult to score against during the middle overs. Hosein, in particular, has played a key role for West Indies in the format over the years and can also operate with the new ball when required. Motie provides another quality spin option and has become an important part of the Caribbean side’s limited-overs setup.
Keemo Paul is expected to offer a different skill set with his variations and ability to bowl at different stages of the innings. Matthew Forde could complete the attack as the pace-bowling option. The young all-rounder can also contribute with the bat, giving West Indies additional depth and flexibility in the lower order.
West Indies’ predicted playing XI for 1st T20I vs India:
Shai Hope (C & WK), Amir Jangoo, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie and Matthew Forde
