IND vs WI | West Indies’ Predicted XI for first T20I in Lauderhill

08/03/2019

To push the World Cup setbacks behind, both India and the Windies will start their mission World T20 with a three-match T20I series with the first two being played in Florida. However, the hosts seem hardly ready for it and will have a lot of voids to fill in the process.

Openers

John Campbell : With only six T20 caps to his name in franchise cricket, John Campbell’s inclusion in the T20 is definitely a surprising one. However, his performance in the ODI cricket propelled the team management to pick in the 15-man side and he is almost certain to open the innings today.

Evin Lewis: In three T20Is against India, Evin Lewis has hit two hundreds and the first one came at Fort Lauderhill in 2016. You might believe in having a streak or not but this will surely be an underlying motivation for the Windies opener to get into the scheme of things and produce another classic.

Middle-Order

Nicholas Pooran: After an impressive World Cup campaign on a personal front, Nicholas Pooran emerged as one of the bright spots in the Windies side and will have a huge role on his shoulder to carry against India. His keeping has surely developed after the IPL and the World Cup and if he can add some dimension to his off-side play against the pacers, well, India can do well to beware of him.

Shimron Hetmyer: Ever since being graduated to the international level, Shimron Hetmyer has been hot and cold. One day he can give you the impression of a seriously talented audacious cricketer, and on the other, he can make you jump off the bean bag in frustration. Amidst the inconsistency, his T20I form has taken a huge nosedive as the player only averages 12 with the bat. Well, he is too promising a player to be left out but Hetmyer needs to realise the enormous faith that was put on him and start living up to it.

Kieron Pollard: The big man is back and what an occasion it will be for Windies to welcome him back to the fold. Of course, Pollard is a pale shadow of his former self now but he is still Pollard and if he decides to pull off his old avatar again, Fort Lauderhill crowd will have their money’s worth from one man.

Rovman Powell : The Jamaican may not bring the ruthlessness of Andre Russell but he is still capable of hitting out like a freak. However, his inability to stay for long in case of a top-order collapse is one of the reasons why Powell has always been behind the pecking order. But Windies are clueless right now after Andre Russell pulled himself out of the series and Powell will not have a better opportunity than this to showcase his prowess.

Allrounder

Carlos Brathwaite: One can remember the name for as long as they want but it is also true that Brathwaite has hardly done any good to his T20 reputations ever since that miraculous night in Kolkata. Averaging in mid-16s, Brathwaite has hardly been a player to take notice but given the role to lead the side, he would definitely give his all to create an example.

Spinners

Sunil Narine: It is always imperative for a team like the Windies to have someone like Sunil Narine. Someone who can keep it tight and can also scalp wickets. He might have left his prime behind him but don't be surprised if he spins a web around the Indians. His batting, of course, is more than mere revelry.

Khary Pierre: The Trinidadian’s rise in Windies cricket was one of determination and strong will. His ability to chip in with the bat has been a valuable addition for the Windies side and Pierre will like to add substance to the hype.

Pacers

Sheldon Cottrell: When the soldier fires, it is better to stay away from the line of attack. Sheldon Cottrell’s reputation is growing day by day as is his salute. The sheer pace that he has in his arsenal is one of the reasons behind Cottrell making waves with the new ball and the challenge for the Indian batsmen is playing him cautiously.

Keemo Paul: After a decent Indian Premier League, all eyes will be on Keemo Paul as he is set to get the nod ahead of Oshane Thomas. Apart from his slow and deceptive bowling, Paul can help the batting unit as well