India’s clash against the West Indies at the iconic Eden Gardens is a virtual quarter-final for the 2026 T20 World Cup 2026. With South Africa already through from Group 1, the equation is win and seal a semi-final berth.
For India, Eden Gardens has historically been a fortress in T20Is. Out of the eight T20Is they have played here, the Men in Blue have won seven and lost just one. Their only defeat came way back in 2011 against England. Since then, Kolkata has largely been a happy hunting ground.
Notably, the Indian team has dominated the West Indies at this venue. The two teams have met four times in T20Is at Eden Gardens, in 2018, 2021, and a three-match series in 2022, and India have emerged victorious in all four encounters. Overall, in T20Is, India leads the head-to-head battle comfortably, winning 19 of the 30 matches played between the two.
What is India’s record at Eden Gardens in T20Is?
| Matches Played | 08 |
| Matches Won | 07 |
| Matches Lost | 01 |
| No Result/Tied | 00 |
| First-Ever Fixture | October 29, 2011 |
| Most-Recent Fixture | January 22, 2025 |
As for the pitch at Eden Gardens during this tournament, it has largely been a batting-friendly surface. The ball has come nicely onto the bat, allowing batters to play through the line. High scores have been seen frequently, and teams batting first have opened for totals in excess of 190 to feel secure.
Furthermore, there has also been some grip for the spinners as the game progresses, especially under lights. The slower bowlers who vary their pace have found success, making middle overs crucial. Fast bowlers who rely solely on pace have sometimes struggled, particularly at the death, where shorter boundaries and a quick outfield make defending totals tricky.
Meanwhile, the West Indies return to a ground filled with memories. It was here, in 2016, that they famously lifted the T20 World Cup trophy, courtesy of Carlos Brathwaite’s four sixes in the final over against England. However, their T20I record at Eden Gardens against India is underwhelming.
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