The Kohli-led brigade would fancy their chances of winning yet another T20 series against the Windies, who seem relatively inexperienced with Chris Gayle giving the tour a miss and quality all-rounder Andre Russell not picked up for the series. The Indians have inflicted series whitewash over the Windies in the last two series played between the teams.
Ranked 5th in the ICC T20 team rankings, India would look to improve on their last T20 performance against Bangladesh, where even though they won the series 2-1, they had quite a few chinks in the armour.
The Indian team which has a good balance of experience and youth would be strengthened with the return of their experienced campaigners Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav,Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami. Meanwhile, the selectors would have a keen eye on wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant who has once again been backed despite some lackluster performances in the recent
So here is a look at what could be the ideal playing eleven for the Indian team in the opening T20I against West Indies at Hyderabad
Openers
Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul
India will open with the lethal opening combination of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. While 'Hitman' is a certainty at the top of the innings courtesy his stellar exploits in the shorter format, the supremely talented KL Rahul would look to cement his place at the top of the order in the absence of injured Shikhar Dhawan. With Rahul likely to open with Rohit, comeback man Sanju Samson could well be left warming the bench
.
Middle Order
Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant
India's batting mainstay Virat Kohli who makes a return to the T20 setup would get back at his prized No.3 position and would look to spearhead the middle order by playing the sheet anchor's role. Kohli is likely to be partnered by Shreyas Iyer who deserves more chances after coming good with the willow in the recently concluded series against Bangladesh.
Wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant should consider himself lucky if he once again gets the nod to be the number one wicket keeper, with Sanju Samson pressing for a strong case in the playing eleven. The hard hitting batsman is best suited to bat at Number 5 or 6, given his ability to provide the last flourish.
All-rounders
Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube
India's lower middle order has batting depth in all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube, both of whom are more than capable with the bat and can provide the late impetus with the willow.
Jadeja who makes a comeback into the T20 set up at the expense of Krunal Pandya, adds balance to the team with his left arm spin and superlative fielding. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube who did not have much to do in the Bangladesh series, would look to prove his caliber as a fast bowling all-rounder in the absence of Hardik Pandya.
Spinners
Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja
India's spin attack which could be their biggest weapon against Windies, will be bolstered by the re-uniting of the Kuldeep-Chahal spin duo after Kuldeep's return into the team. With Washington Sundar proving pretty economical with his mixed bag in the shorter format, Kuldeep Yadav could be forced to stay out as Ravindra Jadeja also brings in an added spin bowling option.
Fast Bowlers
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar
The Indian team has seam bowling options a plenty with the return of their experienced and highly skilled fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami into the side. With swing bowler Deepak Chahar impressing with his wicket taking abilities against both South Africa and Bangladesh, it could well possibly be him who could be partnering Kumar with the new ball .
India's Probable Playing XI In First T20I Against West Indies
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal,, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar