India vs Windies 2018: 1st T20I, Kolkata: India's Predicted Playing XI

After sealing the Test and ODI series, India will also like to repeat the same performances in the shortest format of the game. In fact, the Men in Blue will get better competition from the Windies in the T20I format. The return of players like Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell will be a shot in the arm for the visitors. Thus, India will need to pull up their socks as the Windies will have a formidable line-up. We try and decode India’s Predicted Playing XI.

Rohit Sharma will hold the captaincy reins in the absence of full-time skipper Virat Kohli. MS Dhoni will sit out of a white ball game after a long time. Thus, it would present the youngsters with a good opportunity to grab their chances in the team.

The players like KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant will like to make the most of their chances. The core of the team is going to remain the same for the Australia T20Is. Therefore, these players will like to grab their chances with both hands.

Here is a look at India’s Predicted Playing XI.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma will hold the captaincy reins for the team. The interim skipper is in good form and would like to carry on in the same fashion in the shortest version.

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan had a mundane series in the ODI format. Thus, the southpaw opener will like to get back into form before jetting off to Australia.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul hasn’t received his chances in the limited overs format. However, in the absence of Virat Kohli, Rahul is expected to get his chance in the shortest edition.

Dinesh Karthik

Good opportunity for the youngsters.

Dinesh Karthik was unfortunate to miss out in the ODI squad despite coming up with decent performances. Consequently, the flamboyant batsman will look to make the most of his chance in the T20I series.

Shreyas Iyer 

Shreyas Iyer has been in fine form in the domestic season. Therefore, Iyer will be looking forward to getting his chance in the shortest format of the game.

Rishabh Pant (wk)

Rishabh Pant is going to take wicketkeeping duties in the absence of MS Dhoni. Pant hasn’t had a good time while keeping and would like to turn the tide.

Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya has impressed with his skills with both bat and ball. Thus, Pandya is likely to make his debut for the Indian team.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar seems to have lost out on his rhythm in the recent series. Hence, India’s premier fast bowler will like to get back into form.

Kuldeep Yadav 

Kuldeep Yadav did have a good ODI series against the Windies. The mystery chinaman spinner will like to continue with his good show in the T20I series.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal was dropped from the last two ODI matches. Ergo, the team management will like to get back Chahal into India’s playing XI.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah was once again right on the money in the ODI series. The number one bowler will like to continue in a similar fashion in the truncated version of the game.