India kicked-off with a perfect start with a win over Pakistan in World Twenty20 2014 opener and now will look to carry forward the momentum in the game against West Indies. Indian bowling has been under the scanner for quite some time but in the opening game it was their bowlers who did a splendid job in restricting Pakistan for mere 130 runs.
India played three spinner in the game against Pakistan and proved to be the clincher in that game but MS Dhoni will be picking the eleven based on the conditions on the day. Yuvraj Singh and Shikhar Dhawan were completely at sea in the first game. though the latter managed a few runs, it will be a cause of worry for the management. The key for India will be the crucial wicket of Chris Gayle who can turn the game around on his day and also his familiarity of playing the Indian bowlers can be a positive for the West Indies.
West Indies, the defending champions will open the tournament against India and will be looking for a positive start in the tournament. Kieran Pollard’s unavailability might be a huge blow but West Indies will be keen to prove that they were not overtly dependent on him. Chris Gayle, arguably the best T20 batsman in the world, will undoubtedly be their talisman in batting but the likes of Dwayne Smith, Dwayne Bravo and Sammy make up a pretty strong line-up.
Sunil Narine and Samuel Badree are the two top-ranked bowlers in T20Is. Those two will have their work cut out against the fleet-footed Indians. Dwayne Bravo’s T20-League exposure with CSK will help him against key players like Raina and Dhoni as well.
Squads
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Stuart Binny, Amit Mishra, Mohit Sharma, Varun Aaron.
West Indies: Darren Sammy (captain), Samuel Badree, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Krishmar Santokie, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith.
