IND vs WI, 3rd T20I: Samson, Abhishek open after West Indies opt to bowl

The Indian captain - Shreyas Iyer says the dew played a massive role in the previous game, but he was pleased with the cricket his side played. He feels the bowlers fell a little short of their plans, though that can happen on any given day, and the focus now is to forget it and come in with a fresh mindset. The toss is out of their hands, he adds, but as professionals, they need to bring their A game every time they step onto the field and help the team get across the line. On the team's batting approach, he stresses the importance of reading and adapting to the surface as quickly as possible, since there is never a telling how it will play on a given day. Says the faster the batters adjust, the easier it becomes to put up a very competitive total. About the team changes, he informs that they have got two changes, with Shivam Dube and Kuldeep Yadav making way for Nitish Kumar Reddy and Prince Yadav. On the reason behind the changes, Iyer points to the dimensions of the ground and the need for an extra seamer, someone who can execute the crucial overs under pressure and help curb the opposition's boundary hitting. On the team's catching, he admits better catching is on the agenda, but sees brilliant catches being taken here and there as part and parcel of the game. His priority is for the side to stay fully involved in the contest rather than fret over dropped chances.

The captain of West Indies - Shai Hope opts to bowl first, adding that everyone knew what his decision would be after winning the toss. On the challenge of playing all three formats, Hope admits it can be demanding, but says that once he crosses the boundary, his focus is on putting his best foot forward. Mentions that it is about learning as quickly as possible in these conditions and applying those lessons on the field. Hope also stresses the importance of taking catches, noting that they can be decisive in determining the outcome of games. He acknowledges that fielding is an area they need to improve. Informs that Romario Shepherd has a slight niggle and has been rested, with Keemo Paul coming into the side and Akeal Hosein making way for Quentin Sampson.