Team India have announced an unchanged Playing XI for the fourth T20 International against West Indies at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, with captain Shreyas Iyer leading the side after winning the toss and electing to bowl first.
India currently lead the five-match series 2-1 and will look to seal the contest with an unassailable lead tonight.
The top order features explosive openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, followed by Ishan Kishan and skipper Shreyas Iyer. Tilak Varma slots in at No. 5 with the vice-captaincy responsibility, while the all-round depth of Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir and Axar Patel gives India balance in both departments. The pace attack remains the same, with Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav completing the XI.
Iyer, who struck a maiden T20I century in the series opener in Lucknow, continues to lead from the front. After India won the toss, the captain opted to bowl first, citing the nature of the relaid surface at the Hyderabad venue and a desire to assess conditions before batting.
The decision sets up an intriguing contest on a ground known for high-scoring games and short boundaries. West Indies, needing a win to keep the series alive and force a decider in Bengaluru, will look to exploit any early movement or variations with the new ball.
With the series poised at 2-1, tonight’s match carries significant weight. A victory for India would effectively end West Indies’ hopes of a comeback, while the visitors will be desperate to level the series at 2-2. The unchanged lineup signals clear confidence from the Indian management in the combination that has worked so far in the series.
India’s Playing XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma (VC), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav.
West Indies Playing XI: Shai Hope (Captain, Wicketkeeper), Jewel Andrew, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, Shamar Springer, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.
Live action from the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium begins at 7 PM, with the match available on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
