In another encounter that got too close for comfort, India beat West Indies in the 3rd T20 of this 3-match series, completing a series sweep against a side that they have come to dominate over the years. After once again being asked to bat first, a much-changed Indian batting order put up a competitive 184-5 courtesy of some brilliant batting by Suryakumar Yadav and Venkatesh Iyer.
The Windies in return, went hammer and tongs right at the outset, taking every bowler to the cleaners, with Pooran and Powell once again joining forces. Just when it seemed like they would take thy game away from the Indians, Harshal Patel got rid of the dangerous Powell, triggering a mini-collapse. Pooran kept on soldiering on, notched another 50, and found another able ally in Romario Shepherd, who used the long handle to devastating effect. But just like the other game, India’s death bowling was spectacular, leading them to another win.
Let’s have a look at the talking points for this game that Team India won to whitewash the series against the Windies-
1. Chahar injury worry for Team India
Deepak Chahar has slowly been making himself an integral part of this India team. With his ability to operate the moving ball with devastating effect and his ability with the bat out there for everyone to see, the all-rounder was making a very strong case for him to be on that plane to Australia for the World cup, but the injury curse struck him at a time he would have least wanted it.
Image Credits: Aajtak
In the midst of his bowling run-up, Chahar pulled up with what is expected to be a hamstring injury and had to be helped off the field, with him unable to complete his over as well. Now we all know that hamstring injuries are very unpredictable and the timeframe for recovery varies from person to person. While nothing has been disclosed about the extent, we hope that it’s nothing serious and he makes a return back to the game as quickly as possible.
2. Surya magic
What a belter of a series Suryakumar Yadav has had with the bat. Right from the outset, SKY was absolutely majestic with the bat, immediately getting to work against the bowling and asserting his dominance over them. He paced his innings brilliantly as well, taking advantage of the loose ball and depositing them over the ropes. Today, though, he was on an entirely different level. he hit the West Indian bowling all over the park, some of those shots were frankly outrageous, but child’s play for Surya. He ended the innings with a 31-ball 65, with 7 sixes, and his innings were the foundation for India’s score. His ability to bat anywhere in order and his ability to bat according to the situation is a real asset for the team.
Image Credits: Zee News
3. New faces, mixed results
With the series already in the bag, India decided to give an opportunity to blood a few fresh faces. In came Avesh Khan and Ruturaj Gaikwad, with Shreyas Iyer also given an opportunity to stake his claim for a permanent place in India’s middle order. While Shreyas managed to keep things ticking around with a quickfire 25 of 16 balls, Ruturaj and Avesh did not have the impact that they were expected to, with Avesh especially ensuring a debut he would like to forget. However, all said and done, it was a good opportunity to get some game time for these youngsters so they get a taste of competitive cricket, while also honing their skills in a much better way.
