After winning the ODI and Test Series, India will look to win the T20I series as well to complete the tour of West Indies. Although T20Is in a World Cup year are not of much significance, still the fans will be hoping for some entertainment. With West Indies not being able to qualify for the ODI World Cup 2023, they can start early preparation for the 2024 World T20. India can also have a closer look to the pitches and conditions of West Indies, since the next World T20 will be played here. According to the schedule of the series, the third T20I will be played today, 6th August 2023.
India vs West Indies Preview – 3rd T20I Match
West Indies have stunned India twice in the 5 Match T20I Series. At Trinidad, West Indies won a last ball trhiller, while at Guyana, West Indies won with just 7 balls to spare. Both games went down the wire, but West Indies emerged victorious.
The 3rd T20I is also at the same venue as 2nd T20I. It is a must win game for India otherwise, West Indies will win a historic series. India’s batting has been a big disappointment. The proof of this claim is that Tilak Varma, who is playing his first series, is so far the top run getter for India. All the other experienced players have remained silent with the bat. India desperately need Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill to fire, or maybe they need to bring in Yashasvi Jaiswal to strenghten their batting.
For West Indies, they just need to continue with the same intent. They have done the basics right. They are aware of the conditions and are planning nicely.
India vs West Indies Playing 11
India
India’s top concern remains the form of Gill and Suryakumar Yadav. In order to save the series, they can bring in Yashasvi Jaiswal in place of Gill or maybe they can even leave out Samson. Moreover, they need to bring back Kuldeep Yadav in order to utilize the tracks’ assistance for spinners.
Probable XI: Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill/Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya (C), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar.
West Indies
West Indies don’t really need to change the lineup, but they can play one between Charles and Mayers, and bring in Roston Chase in the lineup. In that way they can have an extra spin option.
Probable XI: Kyle Mayers/Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell (C), Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein and Obed McCoy.
Head to Head
A total of 27 T20Is have been played between the two sides. India have won 17 out of these while 9 have gone West Indies’ way and 1 game ended without result.
Players to Watch Out For
Nicholas Pooran loves to bat at Guyana. He scored 67(40) in the 2nd T20I and 41(34) in the 1st T20I. His current form is exceptional and his record at Guyana is also amazing. He will be once again the key batter from the Caribbean Side. With the ball, all Windies bowlers have been accurate and economical and they need to continue doing well as a unit.
For India, Tilak Varma has been the best batter. With scores of 51(41) and 39(22) previously in the series, he is carrying the Indian batting alone. Other Indian batters need to step up and support him. With the ball, Hardik Pandya bowled really well in the 2nd T20I and Yuzvendra Chahal supported him well. Bowling hasn’t been really the problem for India, it is just their batting.
