IND vs WI 3rd T20I: India and West Indies Battle for Series Lead – Predicted Team India Playing XI
The five-match T20I series between India and West Indies has become increasingly exciting, with both teams winning one match each to level the series at 1-1. As a result, the third T20I, scheduled for today, has become crucial for both sides. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory and take the lead in the series. However, following India's expensive bowling performance in the second T20I, there is considerable interest in whether Team India will make any changes to its playing XI.
After the second T20I in Ranchi, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir made important comments about the team's combination. He indicated that changes in the middle order would depend on the match situation, while the top order was likely to remain unchanged. This suggests that young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi may have to wait a little longer for his international debut.
India's Top Order Likely to Remain Unchanged
Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have been in good form. With the series level at 1-1, the team management is unlikely to disturb the established opening combination at such a crucial stage.
https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/2108558597370290279
Ishan Kishan, captain Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube further strengthen India's batting lineup, giving the team a solid combination of aggressive stroke-makers and middle-order options.
Changes Possible in the Spin Department
India's bowling unit failed to deliver the expected performance in the second T20I. Spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Naman Dhir came under pressure and conceded a significant number of runs.
As a result, a change in the spin department is possible for the third T20I. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi could replace Naman Dhir in the playing XI, offering India another option to strengthen its bowling attack.
Mayank Yadav Likely to Retain His Place
With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav have been shouldering important responsibilities in the pace department.
Although India's fast bowlers also conceded plenty of runs in the second T20I, Mayank Yadav managed to pick up two crucial wickets. This could work in his favour, making him likely to retain his place in the team.
However, if the team management decides to make a change, Prince Yadav could come in for Mayank.
https://twitter.com/windiescricket/status/2108711429561807176
West Indies Unlikely to Make Major Changes
West Indies, meanwhile, are unlikely to make significant changes to their playing XI after winning the second T20I. The Caribbean side, led by Shai Hope, is expected to stick with its winning combination.
With both teams eager to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, fans can expect a closely contested battle in the third T20I.
Predicted Playing XIs
India (Predicted XI) : Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan,Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir/Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav/Prince Yadav
West Indies (Predicted XI) : Shai Hope (C&WK), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Springer, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph
The big question: Will India make changes to its bowling attack after the second T20I, or will the team management back the existing combination? The answer could play a crucial role in determining which side takes the lead in the series.
