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India made a hapless West Indies suffer in the ODI series in spite of low scores by Kohli and Rohit. However, it was the bowling of Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Washington Sundar which forced the West Indies into submission.

T-20 is a different ball game. In short, the same players have a different mindset and West Indies won a hard-fought series against England. In the World Cup, West Indies was beaten by everyone and England were title contenders. How did the West Indies achieve this? A new-look team and youngsters like Brandon King, Shepherd, Meyers, and Rovman Powell were star performers ably supported by Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Pooran to clinch the series.

In the IPL auction, West Indies players have attracted a sum of 56.20 crores, most by any country. Notable are Hetmyer-  8.5cr, Holder - 8.75 cr,  Pooran- 10.75cr, Romario Shepherd-  7.75 cr, Rovman Powell- 2.80 crores, and Odeon Smith- 6 crores.

So it will not be easy for India to win the series. All three matches will be contested and we all know that one good inning or say an over can make the difference in the shortest format. 

Match timings

Match Toss Time: 18:30 IST (13:00 GMT)

Match Start Time: 19:00 IST (13:30 GMT)

Match Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Head to head

Matches Played: 17, India: 10, West Indies 6: 15, N/R: 1

Venue and Pitch

All three matches are set to be played at Kolkata and all the matches are night matches. Eden garden pitch is two-paced and spinners have a role to play. A score of 170 is a winning total.

Dew plays a role in 2nd innings. Only big hitters can hit the maximums so using the powerplay overs is the key in setting up a good total.

Team

India

Rohit and Ishan Kishan should open. However, Venkatesh can stake a claim as he did well for KKR. Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, and Pant constitute batting. Chahal, Kuldeep duo will weave magic with their spin. Chahar, Mohammad Siraj, and Avesh should be the speedsters.

West Indies

Brandon King and Mayers to open. Hope, Pooran, Powell, and Pollard as batters. Holder, Akeal, Odeon Smith, Shepherd, and Fabien Allen will constitute the bowling department. 

Probable Playing Xl

India (Ind): Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan/Ruturaj Gaikwad, Venkatesh Iyer, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Deepak Hooda/Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Siraj, Deepak Chahar/ Shardul Thakur, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal

West Indies (WI): Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard, Fabian Allen, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein, Sheldon Cottrell

Toss 

Due to dew, both teams would be looking to chase. The team batting first should be looking to score anywhere around the 170 mark, it may not guarantee a win but will definitely go down the wire.

Strength 

India

- Star-studded batting lineup

-Great spinners

-Good pacers

West Indies

-Long batting lineup.

-6 power hitters, Pollard, Holder, Pooran, Odeon Smith, Powell, and Shepherd.

-Good spinners

-Many match winners

Weakness 

India

The tail is long and weak hitters of the ball

Lacks power hitters. Only Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan can hit the big shots at will.

Dependent on stars to win matches.

West Indies

-Erratic batting lineup. They can crumble as in ODI.

-Pace bowlers are slow and lack penetration.

-Inexperience to play in India.

Verdict

On paper, West Indies appear to be the favorite. Unless the Top 3 batsmen of India fire, West Indies is the favorite to win.

Happy viewing.