Indian cricket team (PTI Photo)
With the high-scoring series locked at 2-2, both teams will be desperately hoping for a full game. For India, there is an added incentive: they have not lost a home bilateral T20I series since Feb 2019. The opening match saw India chase down a modest target of 172 with eight wickets to spare, but the contest has taken a different turn since. The next three matches have produced a staggering 1,403 runs in 118 overs, with the batters dominating and the bowlers struggling to keep a lid on the scoring. West Indies chased down a target of 250, exposing the vulnerability of an attack missing Jasprit Bumrah.
The second match in Ranchi was a reality check for India’s bowling attack. The series has underlined how crucial both Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are to India’s T20 plans. Arshdeep, who took a blow to his bowling shoulder from a Shamar Joseph bouncer in the previous match in Hyderabad, remains a doubt. The addition of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the squad could prove a timely boost for the hosts.
Also, I am very excited to have Bhuvneshwar back in the mix,” he said. Bowling coach Morne Morkel did not rule out Arshdeep’s participation. “He (Arshdeep) is recovering well, so I think he is definitely not ruled out and is still available.