India is all set to perform like champions in the upcoming home series against the West Indies. The two teams are gearing up to play three T20I and an equal number of one-day matches. West Indies is known for its fearsome cricket.
T20 format suits West Indies
At present, T20 is the most suitable format for the Caribbean. Therefore, the Islanders lifted the T20 world cup twice in 2012 and 2016. The reigning ICC World T20 champions will start their proceedings with the three-match T20 series, starting on December 6 in Hyderabad.
Kohli back in the team
With the return of Virat Kohli in the team, the batting looks more potent. He was rested in the recently concluded T20I series against Bangladesh. Two regular members of the team Kuldeep Yadav and Ravinder Jadeja have been called up in the team for the forthcoming series against the West Indies. It seems the men in blue will field their best combination in the series.
Shami calls up
Speedster Mohammad Shami, whose bloodthirsty bowling with the red ball has created a furore in the mind of batsmen, was also named in the T20I squad. Keeping in mind of the T20I world cup to be held in Australia next year and call of Shami is a clear indication that India is believing on their trusted soldiers in the quest to find the perfect combination before the world cup. The inaugural T20I world cup champion is looking to emerge victorious second time to wipe out the 50 overs world cup debacle in England this summer. Although Shami played his last T20I way back in 2017 against the same opponent.
India firm favourite
The formidable Indian side outplayed the Carribean in all the formats of the game on their home soil this year. Then India thrashed touring South Africa and Bangladesh respectively in the Test series at home. India outplayed their opponents in all the departments of the game. Cricket is a funny game especially shortest format. Therefore, team India lost one T20I against both the touring side South Africa and Bangladesh. But the host came back strongly like a wounded tiger in the next game and knocked out their nemesis. So, consistency on the field is the biggest strength of Kohli and his troops
WI needs to click as a team
West Indies (WI) are looking a depleted side, lack of quality players and confidence have tagged this team minnows. Despite some individual brilliance is available in the side, but not be able to click in a big match as a team or unit. India as a team are looking much stronger side to bag the series of both the formats in their kitty
Pollard looks optimistic
The visitors are looking to wipe out their recent poor records against India. Pollard has been given the responsibility to captain the side first time in the limited-overs series. The captain is upbeat after the thumping performance against Afghanistan on the Indian soil. “There are a lot of young guys in the dressing room. And they need the experienced guys also to guide them along so. You know, that’s my job. In terms of trying to guide them and set them in the right direction”.
The sad demise of Willis
Meanwhile, the news of the demise of former England captain and fearsome fast bowler Bob Willis on Wednesday has left the cricket fraternity into disarray. He was 70, played 90 Tests and 64 ODIs for England. His most memorable spell in Test cricket was 8 for 43 against Australia at Headingley in Ashes series. He captained the English side in the 1983 cricket world which they lost to India in the semi-finals. Willis made his debut in 1971 and retired from international cricket in 1984.
West Indies have got the tag of underdogs, but the old masters can change the complexion of the match with the thrilling batting and firing bowling. India is almost unbeatable side, especially on home conditions. But cricket is replete with uncertainties like Indian politics. India is the firm favourite but never rule out the West Indies.
Schedule of India vs West Indies T20I and ODI series
T20I Itinerary
| Date | Time | |
| December 6 | 7:00 PM IST | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad |
| December 8 | 7:00 PM IST | Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram |
| December 11 | 7:00 PM IST | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
ODI Itinerary
| Date | Time | Venue |
| December 15 | 2:00 PM IST | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| December 18 | 2:00 PM IST | Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam |
| December 22 | 2:00 PM IST | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack |
