The West Indies have started the T20I series playing better cricket but India still won the first match comfortably.
This is a must-win match for Kieron Pollard’s men as they seek to take something from this tour.
India vs West Indies | Second T20I | Friday 18 February 2022 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 15:30
India
Powered by an in-form Rohit Sharma India look indestructible at home with a young middle order stepping up to boot.
Suryakumar Yadav has come of age as a T20 International batter and is India’s ace up their sleeve if Rohit hasn’t already destroyed the opposition bowling attack.
Ravi Bishnoi made an impressive T20I debut in the series opener, taking home the man of the match award thanks to a googly masterclass.
India might consider giving Kishan the gloves and resting Rishabh Pant to give uncapped batter Shahrukh Khan a chance to shine.
West Indies
While Nicholas Pooran led a decent batting effort from the West Indies, they did not look like the same side that defeated England in the Caribbean.
Roston Chase was the weak link in the series opener, taking up ten balls to score just four runs before becoming Bishnoi’s first T20I victim.
The West Indies must attack India’s spinners to have any hope of putting one over on their hosts.
They must also break the habit of losing wickets at critical points in their innings, which stunts the West Indies’ progress.
Verdict: India
The hosts are in control.
