Indore, Oct 2026 : India brought back seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and pacer Prince Yadav for the third T20 International against the West Indies at the Holkar Stadium on Sunday after visiting captain Shai Hope won the toss and elected to bowl first.
The five-match series is level at 1-1, with the West Indies having secured a thrilling, record-breaking run chase in the second T20I in Ranchi. Both teams will look to take a crucial 2-1 lead with a victory in the third encounter.
With Indore’s Holkar Stadium known for its batting-friendly surface, relatively short boundaries and high-scoring contests, another run-filled match is anticipated. The decision to bowl first also reflects the possible influence of dew later in the evening.
India captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed that Nitish and Prince had replaced Shivam Dube and Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI.
Speaking after the toss, Iyer acknowledged that dew had played a significant role in the previous match but said the team needed to move forward and adapt quickly to the conditions.
“The dew factor played a massive role in the previous game. On a given day, it happens; you need to have that mindset to put it behind,” he said.
The Indian skipper stressed the importance of assessing the conditions early and putting up a competitive total. He added that the changes had been made keeping the dimensions of the ground in mind, while the team also wanted a bowler capable of executing yorkers effectively.
West Indies captain Hope said all-rounder Romario Shepherd had been rested because of a minor niggle. Quentin Sampson and Keemo Paul were brought into the playing XI for the match.
Explaining his decision to bowl first, Hope said the team was familiar with its approach and wanted to make the most of the conditions. He also highlighted the challenges of adapting to different formats and playing conditions.
Hope emphasised the importance of fielding, noting that dropped catches could significantly influence the outcome of closely contested matches.
The series has developed into a competitive contest, with India seeking to regain the advantage after the West Indies levelled the series in Ranchi. The hosts will look to their batting depth and bowling attack to contain the visitors, while the Caribbean side will aim to carry forward the momentum from their successful chase.
Playing XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav.
West Indies: Shai Hope (captain and wicketkeeper), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Keemo Paul, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer, Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie.
