INDvsWI, Super 8, T20 World Cup 2026 LIVE: India bowling first in a must-win game at 'chasing ground' in Kolkata

In a crucial ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 match at Eden Gardens, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to field <a class="anchorTag" href="https://www.ottplay.com/match/cricket/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026/india-vs-west-indies-t20-live-streaming-on-ottplay-52nd-match-super-8-group-1-01-03-2026/8bf04e1610478" target="_self">against the West Indies</a> citing the ground's chasing conditions.

India will bowl first in the virtual quarter-final against West Indies at Eden Gardens. Image | BCCI on X

Kolkata: In a must-win affair of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in Kolkata, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and decided to field first. At the Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium, where Suruyakumar feels is a chasing ground, India would look to restrict the West Indies team as early as possible and then book a ticket to the semi-finals.

India to bowl first

Standing alongside Ravi Shastri and West Indian skipper Shai Hope, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav seemed calm despite the magnitude of the occasion.

"The surface looks good, it's a chasing ground," Surya said after choosing to bowl first.

"The wicket will get better, and with the dew factor, chasing is the better option. The crowd is already wild, and hopefully, we can give them a good show."

Addressing the circumstances, the Indian captain beamed, adding, "Of course, there is tension and nerves. No pressure, no fun. But the mood in the camp is good."

India have gone with an unchanged playing XI despite some rumours about Kuldeep Yadav making a return to the XI.

Read also: Tilak and Abhishek bat long, Bumrah shines his yorker game: Here's what happened in India's practice ahead of the West Indies clash.

West Indies would have bowled as well

West Indian captain Shai Hope echoed the same thought of Suryakumar as he said that they would have also preferred to bowl first.

"We have to make sure we play consistent cricket and need to play our best when it matters the most," Hope said.

West Indies one change to their playing XI from the last match against South Africa. Brandon King, who got injured in the last match, made way for the return of premier left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein.

Playing XIs

India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

West Indies: Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.

How to watch the India vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2026 match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2026 match on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

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