After winning Asian Games gold in Japan by beating Pakistan, Team India landed in Lucknow for their first T20I against West Indies. The power hitting West Indies squad looks to challenge India in the five match T20I series after losing the ODI series 2-1. Match will begin at 07:00 PM , IST.

India face a tight schedule after their successful journey from Japan. The team arrives just three days after playing the Asian Games final.

Also Read:- Shai Hope 162* leads West Indies to Record ODI run chase

One of the biggest question is who will open the batting for India?. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opened the batting in the Asian Games, while Sanju Samson moved down to number three for India. Ishan Kishan may return to No.3, while India are likely to choose two of their three opening options.

West Indies are likely to carry the momentum from their inspiring chase of 352 runs in the final ODI. Consistency has been a big issue for West Indies, but their powerful batting lineup remains a serious challenge for India in T20Is. India won four of their last five T20I series against West Indies with West Indies winning the 2023 series 3-2.

Team News

Despite his below par show in Japan, Sanju Samson is expected to keep his place. Arshdeep Singh, who did not play any Asian Games matches is likely to lead India’s pace attack without Jasprit Bumrah. Kuldeep Yadhav may replace Ravi Bishnoi who struggled in Japan.

India Probable XI:- Abhishek Sharma , Sanju Samson (wk) , Ishan Kishan , Shreyas Iyer (c) , Tilak Varma , Shivam Dube , Nithish Kumar Reddy , Axar Patel , Kuldeep Yadhav , Prince Yadhav , Arshdeep Singh.

The return of Shimron Hetymer adds more power to the West Indies batting line up. Keemo Paul is set take Jason Holder’s place with the experienced all-rounder rested for the series. They added Amir Jangoo as cover for Jewel Andrew, who injured his finger during the final ODI against India.

West Indies Probable XI:- Shai Hope (c & wk) , Kamil Pooran , Shimron Hetymer , Rovman Powell , Sherfane Rutherford , Romario Shepherd , Shamar Springer , Akeal Hosein , Gudakesh Motie , Shamar Joseph , Matthew Forde.

Pitch Report and Weather

The pitch could help pace bowlers with early swing and extra bounce during the powerplay. As the game moves on, the surface may become slower and offer more turn giving spinners greater influence. First innings score around 175 runs could prove a strong total on this pitch.

Clear skies expected throughout the match.

Time

Match will begin at 07:00 PM , IST.