India vs West Indies: Match preview, key players, TV listing
What's the story
India will be looking for a clean sweep against West Indies when these two sides meet for the third and final T20I. India have already won the three-match series and the final game is a dead-rubber. With the Australian tour coming up, the focus will be on India's bench strength. For West Indies, they need to finally come up with the goods.
Chance
Chance for Indian reserve players to express themselves
The BCCI has handed a rest to the likes of JB, Kuldeep Yadav and Umesh Yadav for the final T20I match. The main thing to look forward to, is whether India will give an opportunity to the fringe players to go out and express themselves. The likes of Washington Sundar, Shreyas Iyer and debutant Shahbaz Nadeem could be handed positions in the starting XI.
Possibilities
KL Rahul could open the batting
We could see KL Rahul open the batting with skipper Rohit Sharma in order to fit Iyer in the middle order. This could see Shikhar Dhawan get a rest. India will also be concerned regarding the form of Rishabh Pant. He needs to get his act right after not being among the runs in ODIs as well. Yuzvendra Chahal could also be drafted in.
T20Is
WI have been poor in the first two matches
West Indies have produced some ordinary cricket in the first two T20Is. Their batting was a disaster in both games. Senior players such as Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin and Darren Bravo have misfired. The absence of several stars is also a reason behind their haplessness. They need a miracle from somewhere to be able to stop an in-form India.
Players
Key players to watch out for
Rohit Sharma lit up Lucknow in the previous T20I with a scintillating unbeaten ton and he could, once again, be the cynosure of all eyes. Rohit will be a key factor to give India a solid start. Bhuvneshwar Kumar could dictate the bowling show yet again. For the visitors, skipper Carlos is the focal point with his all-round attributes.
Information
TV listing, timing and match conditions
The conditions in Chennai will be cooler at this time of the year. The pitch will assist spinners. One can watch the match live on Star Sports network. It is scheduled for 7:00 PM start. Fans can also stream the match live on Hotstar.