India vs West Indies, 2019: 2nd T20I - Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 2nd T20I of the three-match series between India and West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

The match starts at 07:00 PM IST (01:30 PM GMT). This match will be broadcasted on Star Sports. Live Streaming will be available on Hotstar.

Preview:

The action moves to Thiruvananthapuram as India looks to seal yet another series win in the second T20I against the West Indies on Sunday. Although there is a huge difference in quality between the two sides on paper, West Indies gave India a scare with a Virat Kohli special proving to be the difference. While they were helped by some below-par fielding by the Indians, West Indies did well with the bat with Shimron Hetmyer and Kieron Pollard starring for them.

In spite of a winning start to the series, India will seek improvement. Boasting of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in their ranks, India is the undoubted favourites for this game. The only ODI at this venue was between these two sides last year with the West Indies being bundled out for just 104. In spite of their past performances, West Indies is a formidable T20 outfit and should give India a run for their money once again.

Weather Condition/Report:

The weather is perfect for a good game of cricket with a clear day on the forecast. The temperature is expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius with a few clouds also expected to make an appearance.

Pitch Condition/Report:

A good batting track is expected at this venue with the pacers also bound to get some help from the surface. Although the average first innings score in the last ten games isn’t quite high, batsmen should enjoy the conditions here. Either side will look to chase on this surface with dew expected to play a part as well in this game.

Average first innings score: 132 (Last 10 unaffected T20s)

Record of Chasing Team: Won – 6, Lost -4

Injury and Availability News:

Nicolas Pooran is expected to return to the XI after serving his ban and replace Denesh Ramdin.

Probable Playing XIs:

India

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar,  Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal

Bench: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Sanju Samson, Manish Pandey

West Indies:

Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicolas Pooran (WK), Kieron Pollard (C), Jason Holder, Khary Pierre, Keemo Paul/Kesrick Williams, Hayden Walsh, Sheldon Cottrell.

Bench: Kesrick Williams/Keemo Paul, Denesh Ramdin, Sherfane Rutherford, Fabian Allen

Top Picks:

Rohit Sharma got out cheaply in the first T20I. He will be itching to make amends with a big score in this game. Rohit is the highest run-scorer in T20Is with 2547 runs, which throws light on his ability. His captain, Virat Kohli trails by just three runs after he plundered 94 off just fifty balls in the previous T20I.

Similarly, KL Rahul is also in decent form with the Karnataka opener backing his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performances with yet another fifty for India. His last two games in the international circuit have yielded two fifties which holds him in good stead.

West Indian captain, Kieron Pollard has taken up a more prominent role in the batting unit since taking up the captaincy. The big West Indian has scored 202 runs in seven T20Is this year and is a handy bowling option as well.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Lendl Simmons

Vice-Captain – Kieron Pollard, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, KL Rahul

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Nicolas Pooran, Rishabh Pant

Batsmen – Rohit Sharma(C), Virat Kohli (VC), KL Rahul, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King

All-Rounders – Kieron Pollard

Bowlers – Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sheldon Cottrell

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Nicolas Pooran

Batsmen – Lendl Simmons, Virat Kohli (C), KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma

All-Rounders – Kieron Pollard (VC), Washington Sundar, Jason Holder

Bowlers – Deepak Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sheldon Cottrell

Expert Advice:

Given the nature of the pitch, three of more Indian top-order batsmen can be picked for this game. Although Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are valued at 10.5 credits each, their ability to score big runs eventually should prove to be crucial in the Dream11 contest.

Avoid picking many West Indian bowling options if India were to chase on Sunday. Picking Sheldon Cottrell would be a dependable punt for this game.

Probable Winners:

India is the favourites to win this encounter.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.