In their quest to avoid a series defeat in the third T20 international against the West Indies on Tuesday, India must embody the fearlessness they often speak of while batting.
The slow pitches on offer have posed challenges for batting, as acknowledged by skipper Hardik Pandya after their loss in the second T20I on Sunday. India missed an opportunity to score an additional 10-20 runs, and that realization should drive them to perform better in the upcoming match.
Having last lost to the West Indies in a bilateral T20 series in 2016, India currently trail 0-2 in this five-match series, making it even more crucial for them to step up their game.
The shortest format demands aggressive batting from the very first ball, but India's top-order, comprising Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, has struggled to live up to that expectation.
The top-order's lack of success has added extra pressure on players like Sanju Samson and rookie Tilak Varma, who has adapted remarkably well to international cricket.
With the focus shifting towards ODIs in a World Cup year, Gill, Kishan and Suryakumar will be eager to find their form and score runs, particularly with the Asia Cup scheduled to begin on August 31.
"Batters need to take more responsibility," Hardik's message was clear to the batters following the two-wicket loss here on Sunday.
India has persisted with a long tail, deploying Axar Patel at number seven to maintain a balanced side, and it seems unlikely to change in the next game.
Kuldeep Yadav, their in-form spinner, was absent from Sunday's game due to a sore thumb, and his availability for the upcoming match remains uncertain.
The bowlers, particularly the spinners, face the challenge of containing the rampaging Nicholas Pooran, who has been batting dominantly against Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravi Bishnoi. Surprisingly, left-arm spinner Axar wasn't even utilized in the last game.
Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh showcased their ability to swing the new ball effectively in the second game and will be eager to replicate that performance on Tuesday.
Chahal, making a comeback after a two-month gap, has been impressive in the series. However, Bishnoi's frequent googlies didn't manage to apply pressure on the opposition, prompting him to reassess his plans.
Pacer Mukesh Kumar has been conceding the most runs for India, raising the possibility of him being replaced by Avesh Khan or Umran Malik.
1/10:3rd T20I: India face West Indies in must-win game
AFP
2/10:Fearless batting
<p>India will need to bat with the fearlessness to look to avoid a series defeat in the third T20I against the West Indies at Providence in Guyana on Tuesday. </p>AFP
3/10:10-20 runs short
<p>The slow pitches on offer have not been the best for batting but India should have a found way to score additional 10-20 runs. </p>AP
4/10:India trail 0-2
<p>India, who last lost to the West Indies in a bilateral T20 series back in 2016, trail 0-2 in the five-match series. </p>AFP
5/10:Suryakumar Yadav
<p>The shortest format demands the batters to go hard from ball one and that is something Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, have not been able to do. </p>AFP
6/10:Tilak Varma
<p>The top-order's failure has put extra pressure on the likes of Sanju Samson and rookie Tilak Varma, who has taken to international cricket like fish to water. </p>AFP
7/10:Ishan Kishan
<p>With focus on ODIs in a World Cup year, Gill, Kishan and Suryakumar would want to be amongst runs ahead of the Asia Cup beginning August 31. </p>AFP
8/10:Axar Patel
<p>India have been playing with a long tail with Axar Patel batting at seven to maintain the balance of the side and it is unlikely to change.</p>AFP
9/10:Kuldeep Yadav
<p>India's in-form spinner Kuldeep Yadav missed Sunday's game due to a sore thumb and it remains to be seen if he is available for selection. </p>AP
10/10:Nicholas Pooran
<p>Indian bowlers, especially the spinners, need to find a way to contain a rampaging Nicholas Pooran. </p>AFPThe West Indies find themselves in an advantageous position for their first series win over India since 2016. However, similar to India, the West Indies' top-order has struggled to score runs, leaving the onus on Nicholas Pooran to lead the batting charge.
Once again, players like Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer will be aiming to take on the Indian spinners aggressively.
The home team's bowlers have done well to keep India's batting in check and will be determined to maintain that form, especially with the series on the line.
"It's a very good position to be in. Since 2016 we haven't won T20 series (against India)," said West Indies skipper Rovman Powell.
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