Archive · 8 Oct 2026
India Weigh Samson and Mayank Changes Against West Indies
India won the first game of the five-match series and now lead 1-0.
They chased the West Indies’ score of 171 in 14.4 overs.
Shreyas Iyer scored an unbeaten 102 to help India win.
Sanju Samson has made only a few runs in his last four innings, so India may consider giving teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a chance to open.
Sooryavanshi has also had modest scores in his recent international games, so the choice is not simple.
India may also consider changing their fast bowlers after Mayank Yadav’s expensive start, even though he took an important wicket.
The West Indies need their batters to do better after losing three wickets in the opening powerplay.
The teams are scheduled to play again in Ranchi on Friday, with the match due to start at 7 p.m.
IST.
India lead the five-match T20I series 1-0 after chasing 171 in 14.4 overs in Lucknow.
Sanju Samson’s scores of 9, 7, 2 and 11 in his last four innings have raised questions about his place; Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a possible opening alternative.
Mayank Yadav conceded 16 runs in his first over but dismissed West Indies top scorer Sherfane Rutherford; Nitish Kumar Reddy is another pace-bowling option.
India’s spin attack impressed in the opener: Naman Dhir took 3-31, while Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel took two wickets each.
The second T20I is scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, in Ranchi; coverage in India is listed on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
- Who
- India and the West Indies; Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Mayank Yadav are among the selection talking points.
- What
- The teams are scheduled to play the second T20I of a five-match series; India lead 1-0.
- When
- Friday, October 9, 2026; scheduled start at 7:00 p.m. IST, with the toss at 6:30 p.m.
- Where
- JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, Jharkhand.
- Why
- India are seeking a 2-0 lead and considering team combinations; the West Indies need a stronger performance to level the series.
Consider selection changes
Retain established options
Opening combination
Consider selection changes
Sooryavanshi could partner Abhishek Sharma after Samson’s low scores.
Retain established options
India have backed Samson alongside Abhishek; Sooryavanshi’s recent international scores have also been modest.
Pace-bowling combination
Consider selection changes
India could consider Nitish Kumar Reddy after Mayank Yadav’s expensive first outing.
Retain established options
Mayank dismissed Rutherford, and Reddy’s new-ball use did not work particularly well in the preceding ODI series.
- Series
- Five T20Is; India lead 1-0.
- First T20I
- India chased 171 in 14.4 overs and won by eight wickets.
- Shreyas Iyer
- Scored an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls, his maiden T20I century.
- Samson’s recent scores
- 9, 7, 2 and 11 in his last four innings.
- Mayank Yadav
- Conceded 16 runs in his first over and dismissed Sherfane Rutherford, who scored 56.
- India bowling in the opener
- Naman Dhir took 3-31; Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel took two wickets each.
- Match and broadcast
- Scheduled for October 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. IST in Ranchi; Star Sports TV coverage and JioHotstar streaming are listed.
- Squad-list discrepancy
- The articles list different squad members: one West Indies list includes Jewel Andrew, another Amir Jangoo; one India list includes Washington Sundar, while others do not.
Sources
India Vs West Indies 2nd T20I: When And Where To Watch Live Streaming On TV And Online
India vs West Indies 2nd T20I: All eyes on Samson, Mayank as India look to extend lead
Samson-Sooryavanshi Dilemma Resurfaces as India Eye 2-0 Lead Against West Indies
Vaibhav's return? India face Samson selection dilemma
