West Indies’ recent record against India in the T20 format is nothing short of dismal, with just 1 win in their last 10 matches. The night in Mumbai in March 2016, when their thrilling six-hitters overcame Virat Kohli’s brilliance in a T20 World Cup semi-final, seems a long time ago now.
Both teams are in a rebuilding phase, having played far below expectations at the T20 World Cup in the UAE in 2021. India thrashed New Zealand – finalists in that tournament – on home turf in November 2021, but Rohit Sharma, the new captain, has already said that the aim over the next few matches is to fill the gaps in the squad and not experiment unnecessarily.
West Indies overcame England 3-2 at home in their last outing, and their squad comprises several talents who have yet to establish themselves on the big stage. With the Gayle-Bravo-Russell era either coming to the end or having finished, Kieron Pollard needs to guide the next generation as they pursue an unprecedented third T20 World Cup title later this year.
India’s winning streak in T20Is now stands at 7, equalling their best ever. For the West Indies, Kolkata has usually been a city of joy. Carlos Brathwaite may no longer be part of the squad, but few will ever forget the night at the Eden Gardens when his 4 consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes won the 2016 T20 World Cup for the West Indies in such dramatic fashion.
Match Details
- Match: India vs. West Indies, 2nd T20
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Date & Time: Feb. 18, 2022, at 7 PM IST
India vs West Indies Probably Playing XIs
India
Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
West Indies
Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Roston Chase, Kieron Pollard (C), Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Fabian Allen, Odean Smith, Sheldon Cottrell
Head-to-head Record
| India Won | West Indies Won | Tied/NR | |
| Overall | 11 | 6 | 1 |
| In India | 8 | 5 | 2 |
| Last 10 Matches | 9 | 1 | 0 |
Weather Report
The expectation is for clear skies over Kolkata again, with just mild winds. The temperature should dip to around 15 degrees midway through the game.
Pitch Report
India’s victory in the series opener was the 6th match won by the chasing side at the Eden Gardens in 9 completed international matches. And their winning total was only the 4th time a score in excess of 160 had been made there. Spinners on both sides, especially Ravi Bishnoi and Roston Chase, enjoyed the conditions, while the pacers tended to be expensive. India have 4 of their 5 T20Is at this venue.
Toss
Chasing sides have certainly had the edge at the Eden Gardens. West Indies’ early collapse with the bat in the opening game meant it was hard to tell how much of an influence the toss had. Kolkata has had heavy dew most evenings this month and that was undoubtedly a factor in India bowling first. But Roston Chase, who took 2-14 with his off-spin in India’s run chase, didn’t have much difficulty gripping the ball.
Top Fantasy Picks
India
- Virat Kolhi has a string of low scores in the series so far and is due a big knock. West Indies is one of his favorite opponents, scoring 518 T20I runs against them at an average of 57.55 and a strike rate of 153.7. He has scored 5 fifties in 13 matches against them.
- Ravi Bishnoi certainly didn’t show any debut nerves, giving a bowling display that was full of skill and poise. 2 wickets in one over capped a superb performance that carried on from the good work done in two Indian T20 League seasons under the coaching of Anil Kumble.
West Indies
- Nicholas Pooran scored a 43-ball 61 in the 1st T20, his 2nd half century in 8 matches against India. It was also his 2nd score over 50 in the year 2022. He can certainly bat quicker, but for now, West Indies will appreciate the consistency he brings to the top order.
- Jason Holder got hit on the chest during training prior to the opening T20I and was rested. He has been delivering consistent performances and is a vital part of the West Indies T20 setup. He took 15 wickets and scored 37 in the 5-match T20I series against the World No. 1 England just recently.
Howzat Dream Team
- Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran
- Batters: Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rovman Powell
- All-rounders: Jason Holder, Fabian Allen
- Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Odeon Smith
- Captain: Virat Kohli/Harshal Patel
- Vice Captain: Rovman Powell/Jason Holder
NOTE: The Howzat dream team above is just a suggestion. You can select your own team from today’s fantasy cricket match prediction and play all the fantasy cricket upcoming matches of the West Indies Tour of India. Also, don’t forget to make any necessary changes to your team once the actual playing 11 is announced by each team (30 minutes before the start of the match) as some players you have selected might not be part of the team suggested.
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