Based on recent performances, overall impact, and credit points, we have opted for a fantasy cricket team.
West Indies vs India 2nd T20I Pitch Report
Going by the history at Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts, chasing seems to be the preferred option upon winning the toss. Interestingly, despite the ground being relatively small, the slowness, coupled with poor stroke play has meant low-scoring games in the last two T20Is.
Time: 1 August, 8.00 PM IST
Probable West Indies & India Playing XIs
Probable XI for West Indies: Shamarh Brooks/Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Odean Smith/Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy
Playing XI for India: Rohit Sharma (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Arshdeep Singh
Power Players for the Match
If West Indies are to get back in the series, Nicholas Pooran’s pyrotechnics will have to take center stage. He has smashed 310 runs at 62, including 4 centuries in his last 6 T20Is. Anything with the gloves will be a bonus too.
Hardik Pandya couldn’t stamp his authority in the opening match, but he remains a favourite in online fantasy cricket He has added 113 runs and bagged 7 wickets in his last five international white-ball games.
It was Rohit Sharma’s 64 that set the game up for India in the opening game. He has hit one century and five half-centuries in the format against the West Indies.
Smart Fantasy Picks for the Match
Despite a long break, Ravi Ashwin didn’t take much time to get back amongst the wickets (2) in the opening T20I. There are a few quality left-handers in the West Indies line-up who will continue to keep the off-spinner in the game.
Ever since the South Africa series, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been regularly striking for India. He has taken 14 wickets in his last 10 T20Is, including the best figures of 4 for 13.
It didn’t appear as though Arshdeep Singh was playing only his second T20I. He finished with figures of 4-0-24-2. Since the England tour, he has picked 8 wickets in 4 competitive T20s. He thrives on bowling at the death.
Rovman Powell could manage only 30 runs in the ODI series against India, but he has the ability to hit some lusty blows and change the complexion of the game. He has added 203 runs at 33, including 2 half-centuries against India in T20Is.
After a couple of failures in England, Dinesh Karthik quickly got back into the groove at Trinidad with a cameo of 41*. He is not expected to keep wickets in Pant’s presence, but his ability to produce a wide array of shots at the death makes him a hot pick in fantasy leagues.
Lately in T20Is, Obed McCoy has been the go-to bowler for West Indies in times of need. His ability to vary his pace and length at frequent intervals helps him stay economical. He has already taken 23 wickets in his 17-match career.
Kyle Mayers and Jason Holder failed to rise to the occasion at Trinidad, but one cannot undermine their dual ability that can make a huge difference in fantasy leagues.
Lean Patch
Rishabh Pant may or may not open the batting, but he has been experiencing a dry run with the willow in the format. He is yet to get past the 30-run mark in his last 8 innings.
West Indies vs India 2nd T20I Match Preview
Once again, India outplayed the West Indies across departments in the opening T20I. West Indies have now lost five T20Is in a row to India. Unless their T20 specialists fire on all cylinders, it will be tough for them to level the series. On the other hand, the tourists have all the ammunition, momentum, and the belief to keep the hosts winless.