West Indies will take on India in the third T20I of the five-match series at Holkar Stadium in Indore on October 11. After losing the opening match in Lucknow, the visitors bounced back spectacularly in Ranchi, chasing down a mammoth target of 250 to register a six-wicket victory and level the series at 1-1.
Captain Shai Hope led from the front with an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford smashed 84 off just 37 deliveries. Their remarkable partnership turned a challenging chase into a historic victory and demonstrated the explosive potential of the Caribbean batting lineup. West Indies are unlikely to make many changes after such a convincing performance.
However, the team management will want its bowlers to deliver a more disciplined performance after India scored 249/5 in the second T20I.
Here is the predicted West Indies playing XI for the third match.
1. Kamil Pooran
Kamil Pooran is expected to open the innings alongside Shai Hope. The young batter offers an aggressive option at the top and will look to take advantage of the fielding restrictions. His role will be to provide a quick start while allowing Hope to settle into his innings. Against India’s new-ball bowlers, Pooran will need to show patience early before capitalising on scoring opportunities.
2. Shai Hope (c & wk)
Shai Hope will be the key batter for West Indies after producing a sensational century in Ranchi. His unbeaten 102 off 45 balls included a remarkable display of clean hitting and controlled aggression. The captain’s ability to combine timing with power makes him one of the most dangerous players in the series. Hope will be keen to carry his form into the Indore fixture and give West Indies another strong start.
His leadership will also be important as the visitors attempt to take the series lead. India will likely target him early with spin and pace variations, but his confidence should be high after the second T20I.
3. Shimron Hetmyer
Shimron Hetmyer is expected to occupy the No. 3 position. The left-hander is capable of changing the course of an innings with his powerful stroke play and ability to target the boundary. His presence gives West Indies another attacking option if an early wicket falls.
Hetmyer will need to rotate the strike against India’s spinners and capitalise on loose deliveries to maintain the momentum created by Hope and Pooran.
4. Roston Chase
Roston Chase is likely to feature in the middle order as a batting all-rounder. He provides stability and can contribute useful overs with his off-spin. Chase’s role will be particularly important if West Indies lose wickets during the middle overs.
He can build partnerships while allowing the more aggressive batters around him to attack. With India’s bowling attack expected to make tactical adjustments after the previous match, Chase’s ability to read conditions and manage the innings could be valuable.
5. Rovman Powell
Rovman Powell is expected to retain his place as one of West Indies’ principal power-hitters. The former captain has the strength to clear the ropes and can accelerate the scoring rate during the latter half of an innings.
Powell’s contribution will be important if West Indies need a strong finish.
His experience in franchise T20 cricket also makes him a useful option in high-pressure situations.
6. Sherfane Rutherford
Sherfane Rutherford will be one of the most closely watched players after his match-winning performance in Ranchi. He hammered 84 off 37 deliveries, forming a decisive partnership with Hope that helped West Indies complete the record chase.
The left-hander’s ability to hit boundaries against both pace and spin makes him a dangerous middle-order batter. India will need to prevent him from settling, particularly during the death overs.
7. Romario Shepherd
Romario Shepherd should feature as a pace-bowling all-rounder. He can contribute valuable runs in the lower order and provide an option with the ball. Shepherd’s power-hitting could be useful if West Indies need quick runs at the end of an innings. With the ball, he will need to use variations and yorkers more effectively to limit India’s finishing options.
8. Matthew Forde
Matthew Forde is likely to retain his place as a seam-bowling all-rounder. His ability to bowl in different phases gives Hope flexibility when managing the attack. Forde will need to focus on disciplined lines and lengths, particularly against India’s aggressive top order.
He can also contribute useful runs if the lower order is required to extend the total.
9. Akeal Hosein
Akeal Hosein is expected to lead the spin attack. The left-arm spinner is known for his accuracy and ability to restrict scoring during the powerplay and middle overs. Against India’s left-handed batters, Hosein will need to vary his pace and angles to prevent them from attacking freely. His control could be crucial in keeping India’s scoring rate in check.
10. Gudakesh Motie
Gudakesh Motie is another strong candidate to feature as a specialist spinner. His left-arm orthodox bowling complements Hosein and gives West Indies another option for controlling the middle overs.
Motie’s role will be to build pressure and create wicket-taking opportunities. If the surface offers assistance to spin, he could become a significant factor in the contest.
11. Shamar Joseph
Shamar Joseph is expected to complete the XI as a specialist fast bowler. His pace and aggressive approach could help West Indies attack India’s top order. Joseph will need to make the most of the new ball and avoid offering easy scoring opportunities. His ability to generate bounce and trouble batters with pace could be particularly useful at Holkar Stadium.
Predicted West Indies Playing XI vs India
No.| Player| Role
1| Kamil Pooran| Opener
2| Shai Hope (c & wk)| Batter/wicketkeeper
3| Shimron Hetmyer| Batter
4| Roston Chase| All-rounder
5| Rovman Powell| Batter
6| Sherfane Rutherford| Batter
7| Romario Shepherd| All-rounder
8| Matthew Forde| Bowling all-rounder
9| Akeal Hosein| Spinner
10| Gudakesh Motie| Spinner
11| Shamar Joseph| Pacer
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.