India national cricket team are expected to retain their winning combination for the crucial Super 8 Group 1 clash of the 2026 T20 World Cup 2026 against West Indies cricket team at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The contest will decide the second semifinalist from Group 1. South Africa and England have already qualified for the last four.
India kept their campaign alive with a dominant win over Zimbabwe earlier this week, posting 256 for 4 after changes in the batting order. The team management had shuffled the line-up following a heavy defeat to South Africa.
Sanju Samson was promoted to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Ishan Kishan moved to No. 3. The move paid off with a brisk start from Samson and a steady half-century from Abhishek. Tilak Varma, who usually bats at No. 3, delivered a strong finish at No. 6 with an unbeaten 44 off 16 balls. The collective effort helped India register one of the highest totals of the tournament.
However, there are still questions around the bowling unit. All-rounder Shivam Dube’s has been expensive in recent matches, and India will be cautious against a powerful West Indies batting line-up. Varun Chakaravarthy has also not been at his best in the last two games, including the loss to South Africa in Ahmedabad. Axar Patel returned to the side against Zimbabwe but looked short of rhythm. Despite that, India may prefer to back the all-rounders to maintain batting depth.
There is an option to bring in wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has played only one match in the tournament. But including him would mean dropping either Axar or Dube, which could weaken the batting depth. Much of the bowling burden rests on Jasprit Bumrah. Teams have looked to play him cautiously and attack the other bowlers.
There is an option to bring in wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has played only one match in the tournament. However, including him would mean dropping either Axar or Dube, which could weaken the batting depth. After the collapse against South Africa, the team management may avoid tinkering further.
Rinku Singh is set to rejoin the squad after attending his father’s last rites in Aligarh. Given his limited role as a finisher and the need for bowling options, he is likely to remain on the bench. With a semifinal berth at stake, India are expected to rely on the same XI that delivered against Zimbabwe.
India’s likely XI vs West Indies: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
