India’s top-order bounced back to form in their last match against Zimbabwe and would be expected to fire again when the host take on the West Indies in a virtual quarterfinal of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday.
West Indies’ defeat to South Africa in the Super Eight has made it a must-win clash for both teams with the winner advancing to the last-four. However, India have to bring their top game to the fore, especially the bowlers in a match-up against the batting might of the West Indies.
The form of Varun Chakaravarthy is a concern with the spinner being erratic with his line and in the process leaking runs. In the match against South Africa, he conceded 47 runs, and against Zimbabwe he gave away 35 runs. There are chances of Kuldeep Yadav replacing Varun, who has played just one match (vs Pakistan) in the tournament. Shivam Dube’s bowling is also a concern for India and in the game against Zimbabwe he gave away 46 runs in just two overs.
Sanju Samson’s inclusion in the playing XI lifted India’s batting with all the top-order batters scoring runs, including the out-of-form Abhishek Sharma who scored a fifty. With Rinku Singh expected to rejoin the team in Kolkata, who had returned home to be with his family after his father’s demise. Will the 28-year-old be included in the team?
Head-to-head: India vs West Indies in T20 World Cups
West Indies have dominated India in the T20 World Cup with a better head-to-head record. Out of four matches both teams have played against each other, West Indies have won three and India just once.
Total matches: 4
India won: 1
West Indies won: 3
No result: 0
T20 World Cup India vs West Indies: Pitch report
The Eden Gardens in Kolkata promises to be a high-scoring track for the crucial India vs West Indies Super Eight clash on Sunday. The match is expected to be played on pitch No. 5 or 6 where tournament’s first 200-plus total was scored. Dew may come into play in the second innings. There would be some assistance for the spinners.
T20 World Cup India vs West Indies: Weather report
The weather forecast for Kolkata says clear skies with no rain for the India vs West Indies match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens. Temperatures to range between 25-28 degrees Celsius, with humidity above 70 per cent and wind speeds around 10-12 km/hour.
India vs West Indies: Probable XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy/Kuldeep Yadav.
West Indies: Shai Hope (wk/c), Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Mathew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.
FAQs
When will the T20 World Cup 2026 India vs West Indies match be played?
The T20 World Cup 2026 India vs West Indies match is scheduled to take place on March 1.
What time does the T20 World Cup 2026 India vs West Indies match start?
The T20 World Cup 2026 India vs West Indies clash will begin at 7:00 PM IST.
What time is the toss for the T20 World Cup 2026 India vs West Indies match?
The toss for the T20 World Cup 2026 India vs West Indies match will be held at 6:30 PM IST, 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Where will the T20 World Cup 2026 India vs West Indies match be played?
The T20 World Cup 2026 India vs West Indies match will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Where can fans watch the T20 World Cup 2026 India vs Zimbabwe match live?
The T20 World Cup 2026 India vs West Indies match can be streamed live on JioHotstar, while the live telecast will be available on Star Sports Network TV channels.
