India Choose to Bowl First as West Indies Make Two Changes
India won the toss and elected to bowl first against the West Indies, hoping to secure the series before heading into the final match. Shreyas Iyer returned to winning the toss, while India kept the same playing XI that featured in the previous game.
India had successfully defended a total in the last match, marking the first time a team had achieved that during the West Indies’ tour of India. With the series at stake, the hosts opted to chase rather than set a target.
West Indies Bring in Jewel Andrew and Romario Shepherd
The West Indies made two changes to their lineup. Opening batter Kamil Pooran was left out, with Jewel Andrew coming into the side as his replacement.
Pooran had earned his place in the international team after an impressive Caribbean Premier League campaign. However, he managed only 58 runs across three innings, scoring at a strike rate of 145.
The visitors also welcomed back Romario Shepherd, who missed the third T20I because of an injury. His return meant Quentin Sampson had to make way for the experienced all-rounder.
Fresh Pitch Raises Questions Ahead of the Match
Expectations of another high-scoring contest were tempered by the freshly relaid square in Hyderabad. Both captains were uncertain about how the new surface would behave during the match.
The outfield had also been relaid and appeared less smooth than the surfaces usually seen in international cricket. Its uneven nature could affect fielding, particularly when players attempt diving stops or catches, potentially leading to some untidy moments on the field.
With uncertainty surrounding the playing conditions, both teams faced an additional challenge as they prepared for the contest.
Playing XIs: India vs West Indies
West Indies: Shai Hope (captain and wicketkeeper), Jewel Andrew, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer, Keemo Paul, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.
India will look to make the most of their decision to bowl first, while the West Indies will aim to post a competitive total despite the questions surrounding the new pitch and outfield.
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