Published on: Oct 5, 2026 1:47 pm IST | Updated on: Oct 5, 2026 1:47 pm IST
The ODIs are done and dusted, with Team India taking the series honours 2-1. It’s now time to shift focus on the shortest format of the game, i.e., T20Is, as both teams will now lock horns in a 5-match series set to get underway on October 6, with the opening game scheduled to take place at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. West Indies put up a great fight across the three ODIs, and they finished the series on a high with a record-chase of 352 runs. With spirits high, the visitors are expected to give the Indian T20I side a run for their money, who are heading into this series on the back of winning the prestigious Asian Games 2026 gold medal by defeating the minnows, Pakistan, at Nisshin, Japan. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st T20I, IND vs WI, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
India’s T20I side is operating on a different level. After winning all the major multinational tournaments this year, including the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the Shreyas Iyer-led side is fresh off a Gold medal win in the 2026 Asian Games. Meanwhile, West Indies heads into this series on the back of a home T20I series win over Sri Lanka. Given the form the two teams carry, expect a scintillating contest, but the win probability meter will slightly edge in favor of Team India, as they are playing at home. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st T20I, IND vs WI, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
IND: 73% win chance WI: 27% win chance
The Windies skipper ended the ODI series on a high with a terrific unbeaten ton. He scored twin centuries in the three-match series and ended the second-highest run-getter in the series. Expect Shai to have a terrific start in the T20Is as well.
In his last 10 outings in the format, Shimron has notched up 333 runs at a brilliant strike-rate of 178.07. He loves batting at no 3 and will be a crucial bet for the West Indies not only in this game but in the series as well.
Fresh off a match-winning fifty in the Gold medal match at the 2026 Asian Games against Pakistan, Abhishek must be hungry for more. He averages over 50 in home T20Is and should start this home series on a high.
Ishan Kishan has been in blistering form in the format in recent times. The Bihar batter has amassed 394 runs in his last 10 T20I innings at a magnificent average of 49.25 and striking at a fantastic rate of 149.8.
Check out our prediction for the IND vs WI 1st T20I match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
The spotlight now shifts to the shortest format as India and West Indies prepare for a five‑match T20I series, beginning October 6 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Playing at home, India should start as the firm favorites, given their remarkable run in the format this year.
India’s T20I side has operated on a different level altogether. They clinched the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 under Suryakumar Yadav and followed it up with a Gold Medal triumph at the Asian Games under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, defeating minnows Pakistan in the final by 16 runs. Such achievements underline their dominance and consistency in high‑pressure tournaments.
India’s current streak of nine consecutive wins in T20Is further strengthens their credentials heading into this series. With a balanced squad featuring explosive batting options and a plethora of bowling options, the hosts look well‑equipped to extend their winning run.
For the visitors, the challenge will be immense. West Indies will need to find ways to counter India’s depth and adaptability, especially in conditions that suit the home side. As the series opener approaches, all signs point towards India beginning on a commanding note.
The West Indies remain one of the most unpredictable sides in world cricket, and their flair shines brightest in the T20I format. While India have enjoyed greater consistency, there is little to separate the two teams in recent meetings, India have won three of the last five clashes, while West Indies have claimed two victories, proving they can challenge the best.
The Caribbean outfit arrives in India with confidence, having recently clinched a home T20I series win over Sri Lanka. Their momentum was further boosted by an impressive ODI series finale win, where they chased down a record 352 runs in New Chandigarh, showcasing their batting depth and fearless approach.
Skipper Shai Hope anchors the batting, while Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer provide explosive middle‑order firepower. Rovman Powell adds finishing muscle, and debutant Kamil Pooran could be the surprise package. With the ball, Akeal Hosein’s spin, Ramario Shepherd’s all‑round skills, and the pace of Shamar Joseph form a potent attack capable of unsettling India’s batting lineup.
If the West Indies harness their unpredictability and collective firepower, they have every chance of pushing India hard and possibly springing an upset in this high‑profile series. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 31 WI won: 10 IND won: 20 Tie: 0 No Result: 1 RECENT form INDIA: W W AB W W RECENT form WEST INDIES: L L W L W
India and West Indies have collided 31 times in T20Is. India have a serious upper hand in this battle as they have won 20 games, whereas West Indies have won 10. One match between the two sides ended as a no result.
How will the two teams, i.e., India and West Indies, fare in the 1st T20I? Let’s take a look.
Kamil Pooran, Shai Hope (C/WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Keemo Paul, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st T20I between India and West Indies at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow:
Both team captains will look to chase if they win the toss. The surface at the Ekana is often unpredictable, and the team batting first may find it difficult to score against the new ball. The surface offers bounce with the new ball and spin as the game settles down. Expect the team winning the toss to field first to know how the wicket is behaving in the first innings.
The online live streaming of the 1st T20I match of the West Indies tour of India will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on the Star Sports 1, 2, and 3 channels.
Team India have had the upper hand over West Indies in this format. They should enter this contest at home as the firm favourites, particularly after winning the 2026 Asian Games Gold medal. West Indies will be an opponent to watch out for sure, particularly in the shortest format where they have delivered in the past. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, Team India, are expected to win the IND vs WI 1st T20I match.
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