As the battle against the West Indies intensifies, Indian Must-Win Showdown Against the West Indies : 7 years record on the verge of breaking , Indian batsmen find themselves in a dire situation after two consecutive losses in the T20 series. The need to turn the tide and avoid a series loss is imperative. With the slow pitches proving to be a challenge for batting, the batsmen must demonstrate a fearless attitude and adaptability to overcome this obstacle. Captain Hardik Pandya's call for an additional 10-20 runs adds an extra layer of pressure for the upcoming third T20 match.
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| India vs West Indies| photo: (bharatrising) |
Will Past Repeat :
Let's remember 2016, when India last faced defeat in T20 series against West Indies.
The condition of the 5-match series being played in the present is also the same, in the first two matches, India is now 0-2 behind. This Indian story is based on the need for Indian batsmen to start with an aggressive approach from the get-go.
Early Struggles :
Starting the five-match series on a backfoot with two consecutive losses, India finds itself trailing 0-2. The top-order batsmen like Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav haven't been able to capitalize on the challenging conditions. This has created a domino effect of pressure on the middle-order batsmen.
Sanju Samson's Struggle :
While Devdutt Padikkal's impressive debut has caught attention, Sanju Samson has struggled to leave his mark. The expectation of Samson finishing matches for the team has been met with disappointment, highlighting the need for consistency and effective performance.
Middle-Order Responsibility :
With the focus shifting towards the upcoming ODI World Cup, the burden of scoring runs in the Asia Cup rests on the shoulders of players like Gill, Kishan, and Suryakumar. Hardik's call for increased accountability emphasizes the crucial role of middle-order batsmen.
Spinners' Struggle :
The absence of in-form spinner Kuldeep Yadav due to injury raises concerns about India's spin attack. The challenge lies in controlling Nicholas Pooran's aggressive batting, who has managed to unsettle the Indian spinners.
Fast Bowling Struggle :
A revamp in the bowling attack could see the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh and the potential replacement of Mukesh Kumar with Umran Malik or Avesh Khan. This shift aims to strengthen India's fast bowling department, which has faced challenges in the series.
West Indies' Momentum :
On the other side of the spectrum, the West Indies are just a match away from clinching the series. Their ability to exploit India's top-order struggles has been evident through Nicholas Pooran's impactful performances.
Focusing on Records :
Looking at the overall records, India has maintained an impressive track record in bilateral T20 series since July 2021. The last defeat for India in such a series was against Sri Lanka in July 2021, where they lost 2-1. Following that setback, the Indian team has participated in 12 bilateral T20 series and emerged victorious in 11 of them. The T20 series played against South Africa in June 2022 concluded in a balanced draw, with both teams winning two matches each. This remarkable consistency showcases India's prowess in the T20 format over the past couple of years.
Probable Playing XI for both teams:
India:
Shubman Gill,
Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper),
Sanju Samson/Yashasvi Jaiswal,
Suryakumar Yadav,
Devdutt Padikkal,
Hardik Pandya (Captain),
Axar Patel,
Kuldeep Yadav,
Yuzvendra Chahal,
Arshdeep Singh,
Mukesh Kumar.
West Indies:
Brandon King,
Kyle Mayers,
Johnson Charles,
Nicholas Pooran (wicket-keeper),
Shimron Hetmyer,
Rovman Powell (Captain),
Jason Holder,
Romario Shepherd,
Akil Hosen,
Alzarri Joseph,
Obed McCoy.
Conclusion:
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