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IND vs WI 3rd T20I Playing 11: The third and deciding match of the T20 series between India and the West Indies will be played today at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Team India suffered a six-wicket defeat in the thrilling second T20 match held in Ranchi.
Batting first, India had posted a massive total of 249 runs. Despite this, the Indian bowling attack crumbled in the face of explosive innings from Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. Following this defeat, questions are being raised about head coach Gautam Gambhir's strategies. Cricket experts believe the team is missing a genuine, specialist fifth bowler.
Shivam Dube's Form & Bowling Concerns in T20I Series
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All-rounder Shivam Dube has been fulfilling the role of the fifth bowler in the current series. While Dube had proven his worth in the 2026 Asian Games final, he failed completely in the second T20 match against the West Indies.
- Failure with the bat: Dube was sent in to bat at number four but could only score 7 runs off 10 balls.
- Expensive bowling: He also proved costly with the ball, conceding 30 runs in his two-over spell.
The search for a reliable fifth bowling option has now intensified in order to contain dangerous batters like Shai Hope, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd. Against an unpredictable team like the West Indies, having a potent bowling attack is crucial to gaining control on batting-friendly pitches.
Also Read: New Zealand Squad for India ODIs Announced: Captain, Comebacks, and Injured
Will Prince Yadav Replace Shivam Dube in India's Playing XI?
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The team management might consider changes to the playing XI to put pressure on the West Indies batters. There is growing speculation about giving Prince Yadav a chance in the third T20I, ahead of Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube. On the flat, high-scoring pitch in Indore, Prince Yadav could provide balance to the bowling attack as an additional, disciplined option.
India's Batting Lineup Solid: Sanju Samson & Abhishek Sharma in Form
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The team's top and middle-order performances have been outstanding; therefore, no major changes are expected in the batting department.
- Sanju Samson: In the second T20I, Sanju silenced his critics and cemented his spot by playing a blistering knock of 82 runs off just 41 balls.
- Opening and Middle Order: Opener Abhishek Sharma is in excellent form. Additionally, batters like Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, and Tilak Varma are scoring runs at a rapid strike rate, making the batting lineup look completely secure.
India's Predicted Playing 11 vs West Indies (3rd T20I)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Ishan Kishan
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Tilak Varma
- Naman Dhir
- Axar Patel
- Prince Yadav / Shivam Dube
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mayank Yadav
Also Read: IND vs WI Pitch Report: Holkar Cricket Stadium Stats & Records
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