India chose to bowl first on a slightly overcast evening at Eden Gardens, backing their chasing strength at a venue historically tough for teams defending totals. Captain Suryakumar Yadav stuck with the same XI that kept their campaign alive, while Shai Hope made a tactical tweak to deepen West Indies’ spin resources.
India, who had preferred batting first earlier in the tournament, reversed course under lights in Kolkata. The surface and venue trends — along with heavy dew often aiding chasers — influenced the decision. The unchanged line-up means Sanju Samson continues to open and keep wicket, with Rinku Singh remaining out of the XI despite rejoining the squad.
West Indies made one change after their loss to South Africa, bringing in left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein in place of opener Brandon King. The move gives them three distinct spin options: Roston Chase’s offspin, Hosein’s left-arm orthodox, and Gudakesh Motie’s blend of finger spin and wrist spin. On a surface that can grip later in the evening, that variety could prove crucial.
The contest also features a compelling match-up between Jasprit Bumrah and Shimron Hetmyer, a duel India will hope swings early momentum their way.
With four must-win games defining their path, India have placed faith in continuity. West Indies, meanwhile, are banking on spin diversity to challenge one of the tournament’s most explosive batting units.