Team India received warm hospitality from the High Commissioner of India in Guyana before the IND vs WI second T20I on Sunday. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared pictures of the meeting, where skipper Hardik Pandya and coach Rahul Dravid were seen exchanging handshakes with Dr. KJ Srinivasa, the High Commissioner of India.
“Dr K. J. Srinivasa – High Commissioner of India – hosted #TeamIndia at the Indian High Commission in Guyana ahead of the second T20I,” BCCI tweeted.
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In the first IND vs WI match, India suffered a narrow four-run defeat against the hosts. The Windies posted a decent total of 149/6 in their 20 overs, thanks to notable contributions from skipper Rovman Powell (48 in 32 balls) and Nicholas Pooran (41 in 34 balls). India’s bowlers Yuzvendra Chahal (2/24) and Arshdeep Singh (2/31) performed well to limit the opposition’s scoring.
During the chase of 150, India faced early setbacks with the dismissals of openers Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill. However, Tilak Varma (39 in 22 balls) and Suryakumar Yadav (21 in 21 balls) forged a 45-run partnership for the third wicket, bringing India back into the game. Hardik Pandya (19) and Sanju Samson (12) contributed to take the team beyond the 100-run mark. Unfortunately, their dismissals proved crucial as the West Indies tightened their grip on the game with some excellent death bowling.
The Men In Blue will be eager to level the five-match IND vs WI T20I series on Sunday. While the T20I series may hold less significance in an ODI World Cup year, skipper Hardik Pandya and his deputy Suryakumar Yadav will be determined to display a marked improvement in their batting performance. Players such as Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, and Sanju Samson are also eyeing spots in the ODI World Cup squad and would welcome an opportunity to showcase their skills ahead of the Asia Cup.
The ongoing T20 series presents India with an ideal opportunity to assess their options in the shortest format, especially with the upcoming T20 World Cup slated to be held in the Americas, encompassing venues in the West Indies and the United States.
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