India will look to strengthen their grip on the five-match T20I series when they take on West Indies in the second game at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday, October 9. The hosts currently lead the series 1-0 after registering a comfortable eight-wicket victory in the opening encounter in Lucknow.

Shreyas Iyer’s side produced an impressive all-round performance in the first T20I, with the captain leading from the front by smashing a breathtaking unbeaten century. Debutant Naman Dhir also made an instant impact with the ball, while the rest of the attack kept the West Indies batters under constant pressure.

The visitors, meanwhile, will need a much better start from their top order after losing three wickets inside the powerplay in Lucknow. Although Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford struck half-centuries, their total of 171 was comfortably chased down by India.

India likely to retain batting combination

India are expected to stick with the majority of their successful combination from the first T20I. Abhishek Sharma will be keen to make a bigger impact after his 14-run dismissal in Lucknow, while Ishan Kishan could once again provide an aggressive start at the top.

Sanju Samson is likely to continue behind the stumps, with Iyer occupying the crucial No. 4 position. After his sensational 102* in the series opener, the captain will once again be the player the West Indies bowlers will be most wary of. Tilak Varma could finally get an opportunity with the bat if India need their middle order to spend more time at the crease. Shivam Dube and Axar Patel are also expected to retain their places, offering India valuable all-round depth.

Pace attack could see a tactical change

The biggest selection question could come in the pace department. Mayank Yadav impressed with his raw speed in the opening game but was somewhat expensive, which could encourage the team management to rotate him and hand Prince Yadav an opportunity.

Arshdeep Singh, however, should retain his place after making an immediate impact in Lucknow. The left-arm pacer struck in his very first over and will once again be expected to lead India’s pace attack.

Naman Dhir is almost certain to retain his place after an outstanding debut in which he claimed three wickets. Kuldeep Yadav should also continue as India’s frontline wrist-spinner after combining wicket-taking ability with excellent control in the series opener.

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India’s Predicted XI for the 2nd T20I

• 1. Abhishek Sharma – The explosive opener will be eager to bounce back after his 14-run dismissal and is expected to attack the West Indies during the powerplay.
• 2. Sanju Samson (wk) – Samson is likely to continue as wicketkeeper-opener and will look to make a bigger contribution with the bat after scoring an unbeaten 12 in the first game.
• 3. Ishan Kishan – After his quick 31 off 16 balls in Lucknow, Kishan will again be expected to provide India with an aggressive start.
• 4. Shreyas Iyer (c) – Fresh from his sensational unbeaten 102, the captain will be India’s key middle-order batter and will look to continue his brilliant form.
• 5. Tilak Varma – Although he did not get a chance to bat in the opener, Varma remains an important option for India’s middle-order stability and acceleration.
• 6. Shivam Dube – Dube will provide the dual threat of powerful batting and useful seam bowling after an economical 1/24 in the first T20I.
• 7. Naman Dhir – The debutant will be high on confidence after taking three wickets and is expected to continue his role as an impact all-rounder.
• 8. Axar Patel – Axar will once again be expected to control the scoring rate with his left-arm spin while offering valuable batting depth.
• 9. Kuldeep Yadav – The wrist-spinner will look to trouble the West Indies batters with his variations and maintain pressure through the middle overs.
• 10. Arshdeep Singh – The left-arm seamer is expected to lead the attack after striking in his opening over of the first T20I.
• 11. Mayank Yadav/Prince Yadav – Mayank’s pace was a major threat in Lucknow, but his expensive spell could prompt India to rotate him and give Prince Yadav an opportunity in Ranchi.

Also READ: ‘I love his attitude’: Shreyas Iyer hails young all-rounder after impressive show in IND vs WI 1st T20I

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