After the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (CWC19) India and West Indies face-off in the first assignment for both the teams. India’s tour of the Caribbean starts with the three-match T20I series. With 50-over World Cup done and dusted, teams will have their eyes on the next year’s T20 World Cup. So, this series holds importance in that context. The first T20I takes place at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. West Indies vs India Cricket Score 1st I T20 Match.

India have added young faces to their T20I set up with the likes of Navdeep Saini and Rahul Chahar. However, the duo is unlikely to make T20I debut in the first match. India, most probably, will go with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, and Deepak Chahar as the pace trio. All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Krunal Pandya will take care of the spin department.

Shikhar Dhawan, who was ruled out of the World Cup after first few matches, returns to the team and is all set to open the innings with his usual partner Rohit Sharma. With MS Dhoni not in the squad, Rishabh Pant will keep the wickets with KL Rahul to bat at number four. Chances are Shreyas Iyer will have to warm the bench in the series opener. Most Sixes in T20Is: Rohit Sharma Can Break Chris Gayle's Record in India vs West Indies 2019 Series.

There could be a toss-up between Manish Pandey and Washington Sundar, but it appears India will go with the specialist batsman at number six. Pandey could well be prepared for the finisher’s role.

Windies, on the other hand, have settled T20I set up with Carlos Brathwaite as their captain. The hosts were boosted by the return of Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine. However, the Men in Maroon will be without the service of Chris Gayle. Rohit Sharma Shares Inspiring Post Ahead of India vs West Indies 2019 T20I Series (See Pic)

Key Players

In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the Indian bowling attack. Bumrah is a proven match-winner and Bhuvi will have to stand up and lead the young pace attack.

For West Indies, it is all-rounder Andre Russell who holds the key. The hard-hitting batsman is a potent force to reckon with as he has proved already in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Head-to-Head

India and West Indies have met 11 times previously in T20Is. Interestingly, the head-to-head record stands at five each with one game producing no result due to rain.

India vs West Indies 1st T20I 2019 Video Preview: Teams Eye Winning Start

India Likely Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Manish Pandey, Krunal Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed.

West Indies Likely Playing XI: Evin Lewis, John Campbell, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Keemo Paul, Sunil Narine, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 02, 2019 03:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).