Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
In thinking of the third and final T20I of the series, two main things spring to mind.
First, one can’t help but feel sorry for West Indies, having to wait five days for a dead rubber T20I, which follows five heavy defeats since leveling the ODI series in what seems an age ago. Diwali celebrations has lit up India this week, and the Windies will be hoping to light up Chennai in their final assignment of the tour.
Second, with Australia currently struggling for consistency, it’s not the worst thing from an Australian perspective to see India still at home playing a T20I match that has little significance. Key players are rested for India tonight, but again an opportunity awaits for players to stake a claim for more regular limited overs appearances.
Will India sweep the series?
Indeed, anything other than a 3-0 series win for India will be a surprise, given the Windies’ struggles of late. Rohit Sharma was simply superb in the second T20I, lighting up Lucknow with his fourth T20I century, becoming the only player in history to reach that milestone. India’s bowlers then had plenty of runs to play with against a batting line up looking completely imbalanced for this format, and will still back themselves to do well here even with players rested.
If the West Indies players just wish to get on the plane home and catch a glimpse of the Women’s World T20 action, you can’t blame them. The promise after leveling the ODI series has been quashed, with even the T20Is, the Windies’ most favoured format, bringing no joy. Of course, the absence of key players such as Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Evin Lewis and Dwayne Bravo (now retired from international cricket) has not helped, but can they put on one big final effort?
Key to an India win
Shikhar Dhawan has had a surprisingly quiet run of form against West Indies. In seven LOI matches, he has scored just 158 runs at 22.57, with his 43 at Lucknow reflective of his series – plenty of starts but no 50+ score. With Rohit Sharma in magnificent touch, can he once again combine with the India skipper to push West Indies right back straight away?
Also, what impact will India’s middle order have, if given the chance? KL Rahul still has to win over some sections of support, and Rishabh Pant would benefit from an extended run at the crease to find some LOI form. With the series sealed, it would be a great time to bat.
On the bowling front, India will be without Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Umesh Yadav. Yuzvendra Chahal will get a much deserved game in Chennai, and will be key in supporting Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed, who will be tasked with causing damage to the Windies top order. Also, Washington Sundar could play, and will be keen to leave an impression in this game.
Key to a West Indies win
Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are two vital wickets at the top for the Windies. India’s opening pair put on 123 in 14 overs for the first wicket in Lucknow, which was just one less than the Windies’ total of 124.
Can Oshane Thomas dismiss Shikhar Dhawan for the fourth time on this tour? Who will be good enough to dismiss an in-form Rohit Sharma? If the Windies can see the back of these two early, they can get stuck into a middle order looking for runs.
Also, West Indies are lacking balance with the bat, highlighted by playing two wicketkeepers in the last game. Again, much of the onus will be on Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope to deliver, but how much do these two have in the tank? A big score from either or both will not give Windies a chance to win here, but also hope for fans that these two can deliver consistently.
Possible teams
For India, Washington Sundar could come in, joining Yuzvendra Chahal, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed in the bowling attack. Shreyas Iyer is considered a chance to play, but is probably unlikely.
India possible XI: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. KL Rahul, 4. Manish Pandey, 5. Rishabh Pant, 6. Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Yuzvendra Chahal, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Washington Sundar, 11. Khaleel Ahmed
West Indies could look at bringing in Rovman Powell for Denesh Ramdin, giving the wicketkeeping gloves to Nicholas Pooran.
West Indies possible XI: 1. Shai Hope, 2. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 3. Shimron Hetmyer, 4. Darren Bravo, 5. Kieron Pollard, 6. Carlos Brathwaite (c), 7. Rovman Powell, 8. Keemo Paul, 9. Fabian Allen, 10. Khary Pierre, 11. Oshane Thomas
Dream11
One final India vs West Indies game, one final Dream11 side. Below is my team, with a few pointers.
- Rohit Sharma is in imperious touch, but I think it will be Shikhar Dhawan’s day. He is my captain.
- Two of my four Windies players are their best – Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer.
- Washington Sundar offers good value, so too Krunal Pandya. Carlos Brathwaite is also a good pick.
- Yuzvendra Chahal will be the key spinner, and Khaleel Ahmed continues to impress. Those two are good picks, offering good value.
Stats and Facts
- Rohit Sharma is the only player with four T20I centuries.
- Chennai will host only its second T20I match ever.
- West Indies have lost five matches in a row to India across formats.
Prediction
You’d be very brave to pick a West Indies win.
Even with a few players rested for India, they should be too strong.
Thanks for reading!
