With series in kitty, India may ring in changes for last WI T20I

GEORGETOWN: Having already clinched the three-match T20I series, Team India will aim to go for a clean sweep while trying to test its bench strength when they take on West Indies in the final match at the Providence Stadium here on Tuesday.

Ater registering a four-wicket win in the first T20I, India on Sunday secured a 22-run win by the DLS method in the second T20I in Florida, thereby clinching the series.

Ater Sunday’s win, skipper Virat Kohli hinted that he might experiment with the line-up in Tuesday’s game.

“Winning is always going to be a priority. But sealing the series gives the chance to bring few guys in. Idea is always going to be to win first. But winning the first two games, gives the cushion,” skipper Kohli had said.

Chahar brothers, Deepak and Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer -- who till now haven’t got a chance to play -- are likely to get a place in the playing XI in Guyana.

With wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant failing in the first two matches, it might be possible that K.L. Rahul could be roped in his place. Also, Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be rested to give Deepak a crack while Rahul could replace either Krunal Pandya or Washington Sundar.

On the other hand, Windies -- who have already lost the series -- will look to play for lost pride and end the three-match rubber on a high, before taking on the Men in Blue in the three ODIS and the subsequent two-test series.

Following India’s win in the second T20I against the West Indies, skipper Virat Kohli was all praise for young off-spinner Washington Sundar who has performed exceedingly well in the two matches.

In the first T20I which India won by four wickets, Sundar, who opened the bowling in both the T20IS, had struck in the first over of the match. In the second T20I, however, he didn’t pick any wicket in the first over but bowled six dot balls to Sunil Narine and conceded only one run courtesy a wide down the leg side.

“Starting with the new ball, the way Sundar has bowled against guys who come hard at the ball, he’s done a tremendous job. The composure he’s shown has been outstanding,” said Kohli.