India vs West Indies, 1st T20I - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Build up

Yes, the format definitely presents the Windies an opportunity to go home from India with a trophy but are they really that strong on paper? Their skipper certainly believes that Indiaarefavourites. He is returning to the venue where he smashed four sixes off four balls to help Windies clinch their second World T20 title. They are the defending champions in this format but their record post the title win hasn't been great by any stretch. The constant changes haven't helped as well.

Chris Gayle isn't here. Evin Lewis has pulled out. Andre Russell has been ruled out at the last minute and they don't have Sunil Narine as well. Windies do bear a different look and the top performers in CPL 2018 have been rewarded with spots in the squad but this challenge in India is going to be an all new ball game. On their return to the venue where they made history two years ago, can the Windies finally stamp their authority on the tour after briefly impressing in the ODIs initially?

India, on the other hand, will bear a different look too. They don't have Virat Kohli and they have 'ignored' MS Dhoni. Hardik Pandya is out injured and that presents his brother Krunal Pandya an opportunity to make an impact so this isn't a full strength Indian team. Rohit Sharma will be captaining again and he will be raring to go on what probably is his favourite venue in India. With several stars missing and a huge Australia tour looming large, it will be interesting to see how much interest this series can generate among the public. We will find out shortly. Welcome to the live blog for this first T20I. Tweet in your opinions to @Narbavi and have them featured on the blog.