India skipper Shreyas Iyer elected to bowl first after winning the toss in the opening T20 clash against the West Indies at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. With this strategic decision to chase, the hosts asked the visiting Caribbean side to set a target on a fresh surface. Attacking youngster Vaibhav Suryavanshi did not feature in the final lineup, extending his wait for a senior appearance on home soil.
Naman Dhir Earns T20 Debut in Balanced Lineup
Spin-bowling all-rounder Naman Dhir received his maiden opportunity in the shortest international format as the team management handed him his debut cap. The hosts lined up with Abhishek Sharma, wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Iyer forming the core batting group. Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel joined Dhir to bolster the all-round contingent, while the frontline bowling duties were assigned to Arshdeep Singh, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and pacer Mayank Yadav.
West Indies Final Playing Eleven
Captain Shai Hope led the touring side behind the stumps and at the top order. The West Indian batting unit featured Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, and Sherfane Rutherford, providing formidable power in the middle overs. Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, and Roston Chase were slotted in as versatile all-rounders, backed by specialist spinner Akeal Hosein alongside fast bowlers Shamar Springer and Shamar Joseph.
