India predicted playing XI for 2nd T20I vs West Indies

India will look to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series when they face West Indies in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday, October 9. The hosts made a commanding start to the series, beating the visitors by eight wickets in Lucknow.

Shreyas Iyer’s sensational maiden T20I century was the highlight of the opening game, while debutant Naman Dhir impressed with the ball. With India winning comfortably, the team management is unlikely to make unnecessary changes to the playing XI for the second game.

Openers: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan

India are likely to retain Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan at the top of the order. Abhishek and Samson were dismissed cheaply in the first T20I, while Kishan provided support to Iyer during the successful chase. With no injury concerns in the top order, the trio should get another opportunity in Ranchi.

There will be some pressure on Samson to deliver after he failed in the series opener. The wicketkeeper-batter has been given an opportunity at the top of the order and will be keen to make a significant contribution in the second game.

Middle order: Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel

Shreyas Iyer will continue to lead the side after producing a sensational knock in Lucknow. The India captain smashed his maiden T20I century, scoring an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls to take his team comfortably over the line.

Iyer is expected to be followed by Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube, with both players providing India with plenty of power in the middle overs. Naman Dhir should retain his place after making an impressive T20I debut. The all-rounder picked up three wickets in the opening game and gives India an additional bowling option.

Axar Patel is likely to bat at No. 8 and continue as one of India’s key spin-bowling options. The left-arm spinner also picked up two wickets in the first T20I.

Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav

Arshdeep Singh is expected to lead India’s pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the series opener. Mayank Yadav should retain his place as the second specialist pacer.

Kuldeep Yadav completes the bowling attack. The wrist-spinner was among the wickets in Lucknow and could once again play a crucial role in the middle overs, particularly if the Ranchi surface offers assistance to spinners.