India vs West Indies 2nd T20I: Preview, key players, stats
India will be eyeing to pocket yet another T20I series when they take on West Indies in the second T20I in Lucknow on Tuesday. India have won three bilateral T20I series this year, besides the Nidahas tri-series T20I tourney involving Sri Lanka and Bangladesh earlier this year. After scraping past the finishing line in the first match, India will look to be more clinical.
India could field some changes
India will go all guns blazing and wrap proceedings so that they can give rest to key players in third T20I. One can expect Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make a return in place for Umesh Yadav. Further, given India have a bunch of spinners in the squad, one might see new faces in the side. The concern for India is Shikhar Dhawan's form.
Middle order batting the focus for India
The match will be another opportunity for Rishabh Pant to get going in the middle order. He hasn't been among the runs in colored clothing formats in the opportunities that have been presented to him. DK was superb at the Eden Gardens and will add that experience in the middle order. Focus will also be on Manish Pandey and KL Rahul to score runs.
West Indies keen to sort out batting woes
West Indies will be seeking to fight their demons and give a good account of themselves. They were dismal in the first T20I and the onus will be on batsmen to support the team. In terms of bowling, they were on the money. This will give them the confidence when they take the field. West Indies need T20 stars such as Pollard to fire.
Players to watch out for
Krunal Pandya will be raring to have a crack at the West Indies bowling once again. He was superb on his debut and picked 1/15 besides getting into the thick of things and winning the game for India with a decent looking knock of 21*. Oshane Thomas will be the one to watch out for. He has got pace and variations up his sleeve.
Stat analysis: IND v WI
Rohit Sharma needs 11 runs to become the highest runs scorer in T20Is, for India. Kuldeep Yadav requires two more wickets to become the highest Indian wicket-taker in 2018 in T20Is. DK will surpass 2,000 runs in T20Is, ODIs combined, if he gets another 37.
Conditions, TV listing and timing
The conditions will be cool and there might be an element of dew. Lucknow's Ekana Stadium is hosting its first match and therefore the pitch is unpredictable. One can watch the match live on Star Sports network. It is scheduled for 7:00 PM start.