IND vs WI | India’s Predicted XI for T20I opener against Windies in Hyderabad

KL Rahul : In the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, Rahul is finally getting a look in at the top of the order. Further, the right-hander has been in tormenting form in the recently-concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy and would be aiming to bring his form for the national team. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, Rahul must ensure to grab the opportunity with both hands. The only possible competition for the right-hander would be Sanju Samson, who too is looking to get a look into the national team following the IPL success with Rajasthan Royals.

Rohit Sharma : One of India’s best limited-overs opener, Rohit Sharma would continue to open the batting at the other end. Sharma’s recent form in the T20s has been inconsistent, with the opener not being able to hold on to his wicket. However, the right-hander broke the shackle in the second T20I against Bangladesh, where he scored 85 runs off just 43 deliveries, with six boundaries in the innings. Given that the World Cup is next year, Sharma would be looking to get back to his consistent self aiding skipper Virat Kohli. 

Virat Kohli (c) : Virat Kohli, well-rested in the T20 format, would be raring to make his return worthwhile in the series against West Indies. Kohli’s presence has always been huge on the national team, in all formats. The Windies bowlers would give the right-hander a tough test as India look to continue their merry run in the T20 format.

Rishabh Pant (wk) : The Delhite would retain his place in the playing XI despite the string of failure that he has seen in the past two T20I series. It would be Pant’s ultimate test, with Sanju Samson in the squad ready to replace the leftie in the playing XI. With the Indian team paying so much confidence in Pant, it would be expected that he would take his place in the team in the opening game against West Indies.

Washington Sundar : One of India’s under-rated all-rounder Washington Sundar would be looking to make the off-spin department his own. Sundar not only had a telling effect on India’s win over Bangladesh, but also was given the task of bowling with the new ball which he has completely adapted to. Given that he only took one wicket throughout the series, his role of restricting runs in the innings would help him retain his place in the XI.

Deepak Chahar : The Rajasthan skipper's stock has been on the rise since his exploits with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Since making his Indian debut, Chahar has been one of the most consistent performers with the ball, bowling both with the new ball as well as in the death with the old ball. After picking up 8 wickets in the series against Bangladesh, the right-arm pacer would be the first name on the bowling list for the West Indies series. Further, Chahar has continued his merry run in SMAT, where he not only picked up crucial wickets but also promoted himself at the top order to score some handy runs for Rajasthan.