As India and the West Indies began the proceedings for the third T20I of the five-match series at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Sunday, October 11, star spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s omission from the playing XI caught everyone by surprise. The hosts made a couple of changes for this match.
IND vs WI: Toss Update
The toss went in favour of the West Indies, who are coming on the back of a magnificent victory in the second encounter, which was played in Ranchi on Friday. Meanwhile, the visiting side had no hesitation in bowling first, given how they pulled off a brilliant run chase in the previous clash, thereby calling the hosts to set a target for them on a seemingly spicy track in the city of foodies.
IND vs WI: Why is Kuldeep Yadav not playing, and what changes did the teams make?
At the toss, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed to the broadcasters that Kuldeep has been benched for the match alongside all-rounder Shivam Dube. Meanwhile, the two incoming faces are Nitish Kumar Reddy and Prince Yadav. The reason to rest Kuldeep was not disclosed by Iyer, but with Prince Yadav drafted in, it is understood that the team wanted to go with a pace-heavy attack. West Indies, on the other hand, also made a solitary change, with Quentin Sampson and Keemo Paul coming in for Akeal Hosein and Romario Shepherd, who has been given rest.
IND vs WI: Playing XIs
India
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh
West Indies
Shai Hope (C & WK), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Keemo Paul, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie
IND vs WI: What did the captains say?
Shai Hope, West Indies captain, said:
“I think we all know what I’m going to do, so we’re going to bowl first this time again. [Wicketkeeping, all the runs scored – how tough has the tour been on your body?] You just have to remind me that I’m a bit tired every now and again, but it’s going to be challenging, obviously, playing all three formats and you’re putting your heart out for West Indies. But like I always say, once I cross that line, it’s just about putting the best foot forward and try to do as best as I can for the team to win games.
“[What have you told your bowling group?] Yeah, just about learning as quickly as we can, these conditions. A few of the guys have not played here, so just about learning and using the experiences from the first two games and finding the best ways that you can formulate your plans to make it more difficult for them in the long run.
“[Has catching efficiency been an issue?] Yes, for sure. Again, we always know that catches determine a lot of games sometimes. If we take those chances in that second game, maybe we would be chasing 210, who knows. So you still got to look at the cricket in total. This is T20 cricket, and if we cover all the bases right, we’re going to give ourselves the best chance to win games. [How is Romario Shepherd’s health?] He’s okay, but obviously slight niggle, so he’s (Romario) actually been rested today, and Quentin (Sampson) is going to come in, and Kimmo Paul is going to come in for Akeal.
Shreyas Iyer, India captain, said:
“[How difficult is batting first?] Well, (the) dew factor played a massive role in the previous game, but we played exceptional cricket. I still feel that our bowlers were out of plans, but on a given day it happens, and we just got to forget about it and see to it that we are in (with) a fresh mindset today when we arrive. And yes, the toss isn’t in your control, but as a player, as a professional, I would say that you need to put your A-game whenever you step onto the field.
“[Do you go extra aggressive now that you are batting first?] See, it’s important that we adapt and assess the wicket as quickly as possible, because on a given day you never know how the wicket is going to play. So the quickly we adapt, it’s easier for us, and see to it that we can (post) a very commendable total. [Are there any changes to your lineup tonight?] Yes, we’ve got two changes. Instead of Shivam Dube, Nitish Reddy comes in, and for Kuldeep Yadav, Prince Yadav comes in.
“[Why these changes?] Obviously, considering the dimensions of the ground and also seeing that we need an extra seamer in the team, especially to open, execute those crucial overs in pressure situations, and also seeing to it that we limit the boundary-hitting capability which the opponents have. [On the catching efficiency] On a given day, you see brilliant catches taken here and there. So it’s part and parcel, and I just want to see that we are completely involved in the game rather than thinking about dropping catches.”
