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West Indies will look to bounce back when they face India in the fourth T20I of the five-match series at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, October 14. The visitors trail 1-2 after losing the third match in Indore by 14 runs. They must win the upcoming contest to keep their hopes of winning the series alive.
The Caribbean side has already demonstrated its batting firepower in the series. West Indies chased down India’s 249/5 in the second T20I, with captain Shai Hope scoring an unbeaten century and Sherfane Rutherford providing explosive support. However, their bowlers struggled to contain India’s batters in Indore, where the hosts posted 223 before restricting the visitors to 209/7.
With their backs against the wall, West Indies will need a balanced combination capable of delivering with both bat and ball. The team management could largely retain the core of the previous XI, although Romario Shepherd’s fitness remains an important consideration.
Shai Hope is expected to lead the batting attack alongside Kamil Pooran. The captain has been one of West Indies’ most important players in the series, particularly after his unbeaten 102 off 45 deliveries helped the visitors complete a remarkable chase in Ranchi. His ability to combine calculated strokeplay with aggressive acceleration makes him central to their plans.
Hope will need to provide stability at the top while ensuring that India do not gain early control. His dismissal for five runs in Indore highlighted how quickly the visitors can lose momentum when their captain fails to make an impact.
Kamil Pooran is likely to partner Hope at the top. The young batter can take advantage of the powerplay and provide an attacking option against India’s fast bowlers. A strong opening partnership would allow West Indies’ explosive middle order to play with greater freedom.
Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford are expected to form the backbone of the middle order. All three possess the power to change the course of a T20 match within a few overs.
Hetmyer showed his ability to counterattack in Indore, scoring 43 off 26 balls. West Indies will want him to turn such starts into a bigger contribution in Hyderabad. His ability to attack spin and clear the boundary makes him a valuable option during the middle overs.
Powell brings leadership experience and considerable power-hitting ability. He could be particularly important if the visitors lose early wickets and need someone to rebuild before accelerating.
Rutherford remains a major threat in the finishing overs. His aggressive approach was evident during the second T20I, when he scored 84 off 37 deliveries. West Indies will hope he can reproduce that impact and help them finish strongly.
Quentin Sampson could retain his place to provide another batting option. His selection would give the visitors flexibility, although the team management may adjust the order depending on the match situation.
Roston Chase is likely to play a key role as a spin-bowling all-rounder. His ability to contribute with the bat and deliver economical overs gives West Indies valuable balance. He will be expected to restrict India’s scoring during the middle phase and create opportunities for breakthroughs.
Keemo Paul and Shamar Springer could provide additional seam-bowling options while strengthening the lower order. Their contributions will be important against an Indian batting line-up capable of maintaining a high scoring rate throughout the innings.
Shamar Joseph is expected to lead the pace attack. His raw pace can trouble India’s batters, but he will need greater consistency after an expensive outing in Indore. Gudakesh Motie could complete the attack as the specialist spinner, using variations in pace and flight to challenge India’s aggressive stroke-makers.
| No. | Player | Role |
| 1 | Shai Hope (C/WK) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| 2 | Kamil Pooran | Batter |
| 3 | Shimron Hetmyer | Batter |
| 4 | Rovman Powell | Batter |
| 5 | Sherfane Rutherford | Batter |
| 6 | Quentin Sampson | Batter |
| 7 | Roston Chase | All-rounder |
| 8 | Keemo Paul | All-rounder |
| 9 | Shamar Springer | All-rounder |
| 10 | Shamar Joseph | Fast bowler |
| 11 | Gudakesh Motie | Left-arm spinner |
This is a predicted XI, not the officially confirmed team. Romario Shepherd could come into contention if he is fit enough to return.
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