The caravan moves to Lucknow. India vs West Indies 1st T20I gets underway today at 7:00 PM IST at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, as the five-match T20I series begins just three days after the ODI series ended 2-1 in India’s favour.
Both teams arrive with momentum and questions. India won the ODI series but were stunned in the final game, conceding a record 352-run chase. West Indies, powered by Shai Hope’s magnificent 162 not out, believe they can trouble the hosts in the shortest format too.
India vs West Indies 1st T20I: Match Details
- Fixture: India vs West Indies, 1st T20I
- Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Series: 5-match T20I series (Oct 6, 9, 11, 14)
Form Guide: Batters in the Runs
The ODI series was a run-fest, and the form book favours the batters. KL Rahul’s unbeaten 129 and Rohit Sharma’s 92 powered India, while Shai Hope’s 162 not out announced West Indies’ chasing pedigree. Rahul has even set an ambitious benchmark, wanting India’s ODI middle order to target 370-380 totals — a mindset that should electrify the T20 approach too.
For West Indies, Amir Jangoo (67) and Keemo Paul (44) were superb support acts in the record chase, and their fearless batting suits T20 cricket perfectly.
Key Battles
India’s bowling is the concern. Anshul Kamboj leaked 0/82 in the final ODI, and the fifth-bowler problem persists — West Indies will target exactly that. Kuldeep Yadav’s control will be crucial on what is expected to be another batting-friendly surface. For the visitors, Jayden Seales’ new-ball burst (which removed Gill and Kohli in the 3rd ODI) could again decide the powerplay.
What to Expect
Expect fireworks. Both attacks looked vulnerable in the ODIs, both batting line-ups are in prime touch, and Lucknow’s Ekana typically offers true bounce. The India vs West Indies 1st T20I should set the tone for a high-scoring series — and West Indies, with nothing to lose, are dangerous.
Sources: Outlook India, NDTV Sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many T20Is are in the India vs West Indies series?
Five T20Is, scheduled for October 6, 9, 11 and 14.
Who won the India vs West Indies ODI series?
India won 2-1, though West Indies took the final ODI with a record 352-run chase.
Who are the in-form players?
KL Rahul (129 not out) and Rohit Sharma (92) for India; Shai Hope (162 not out) and Amir Jangoo (67) for West Indies.
What is India's concern in the T20I series?
The bowling — India conceded 352 in the final ODI, with the fifth-bowler slot a worry.
