A lot was expected from the T20I world champions West Indies in the first game of the three-match series that was held at Kolkata. Though the side is struggling to find their momentum in the Test and ODI format, they are considered as the team to beat with specialist players in the shortest format. However, Rohit Sharma and Co. brushed aside the Caribbean might with a clinical display at Eden Gardens, that leaves Carlos Brathwaite's team in a must-win position when the caravan moves to Lucknow.
The newly-constructed Ekana Stadium in Lucknow will host its first-ever international game, with the pitch keeping low and slow. According to a local curator, a target of 130 would be a winning score and the dead grass on both sides with cracks in between will assist spinners in the second innings, thus making batting difficult. Hence, it should not be a surprise to see the team winning the toss batting first.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Denesh Ramdin
The glove-man from the Windies had an ordinary day in the first game, scoring only 2 runs in 5 balls but he had a good outing in the recently-concluded CPL, and hence, would be riding high on confidence. He was the fourth-highest scorer for his franchise, Trinbago Knight Riders—making 272 runs at an average of 34 and a strike-rate of 123.07 and Windies would be hoping that their experienced player comes good in the crucial game.
Batsman: Rohit Sharma
The Indian skipper has been in tremendous form of
A lot was expected from the T20I world champions West Indies in the first game of the three-match series that was held at Kolkata. Though the side is struggling to find their momentum in the Test and ODI format, they are considered as the team to beat with specialist players in the shortest format. However, Rohit Sharma and Co. brushed aside the Caribbean might with a clinical display at Eden Gardens, that leaves Carlos Brathwaite's team in a must-win position when the caravan moves to Lucknow.
The newly-constructed Ekana Stadium in Lucknow will host its first-ever international game, with the pitch keeping low and slow. According to a local curator, a target of 130 would be a winning score and the dead grass on both sides with cracks in between will assist spinners in the second innings, thus making batting difficult. Hence, it should not be a surprise to see the team winning the toss batting first.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Denesh Ramdin
The glove-man from the Windies had an ordinary day in the first game, scoring only 2 runs in 5 balls but he had a good outing in the recently-concluded CPL, and hence, would be riding high on confidence. He was the fourth-highest scorer for his franchise, Trinbago Knight Riders—making 272 runs at an average of 34 and a strike-rate of 123.07 and Windies would be hoping that their experienced player comes good in the crucial game.
Batsman: Rohit Sharma
The Indian skipper has been in tremendous form of late, scoring three hundreds in his last eight international games. He missed out on a big score in the first T20I game, but he is too good a player to make the same mistakes twice. Rohit also needs just 11 runs to overtake Virat Kohli as the most successful T20I batsman from India, and he would be eager to get in the game at Lucknow.
All-rounder: Krunal Pandya
After consistent displays in the IPL, Krunal Pandya finally got his maiden cap in the last T20I game and little did he disappoint. He bowled an economical spell, giving away only 15 runs in 4 overs whilst also scalping the wicket of his Mumbai Indians team-mate Kieron Pollard. He was assured with the bat, partnering Dinesh Karthik to help India over the line with a nine-ball 21.
Bowler: Kuldeep Yadav
With the track at the Ekana Stadium likely to assist spinners, Kuldeep is a must-have in your fantasy team. He has been India's most consistent player across the limited-overs internationals and, with a 3-wicket haul in the first game, he further showed his importance in the Indian set-up.
Captain: Rohit Sharma
Vice-captain: Krunal Pandya
