India Leaves Top-Order Batter Sooryavanshi Out of Second T20I Against West Indies

India are playing the 2nd T20I of their five-match home series against West Indies at JSCA International Cricket Stadium, Ranchi, on October 9, 2026. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is part of the squad for this series but has not been included in the playing XI for this match.

IND vs WI 2026: Toss Update

The toss took place before the game, with the visiting side opting to field first. India capacitor Shreyas Iyer confirmed at the toss that his side would field an unchanged XI from the opening match played in Lucknow on October 6.

IND vs WI 2026: Why Sooryavanshi is not playing in the 2nd T20I?

Sooryavanshi was not in the playing XI for the 1st T20I either, and the decision to retain the same eleven means he continues to sit out. The opening slots in India’s batting order are occupied by Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, leaving no place for Sooryavanshi, who is a top-order batter. West Indies made one change for the 2nd T20I, with Gudakesh Motie coming in for Matthew Forde.

IND vs WI 2026: What did the captains say?

Shai Hope, West Indies Captain:

Yes, that feels right. We are all aware of the dynamics. Given recent performances in T20 cricket, initiating a chase matches our strategy. Nevertheless, the local conditions demand vigilance—the pitch is already dampening, and this will deteriorate further into the night. Our intent is to create pressure early and complete the target vigorously. Reflecting on errors from the first encounter, particularly against a strong side like India, minimizing their scoring odds becomes a priority. After securing a win quickly, we aim to rebound strongly. Accordingly, only one modification applies: Matthew Forde has been replaced by Gudakesh Motie. Players will face ample action during this match.

Shreyas Iyer, India Captain:

The preferred approach would have been to bowl first, consistent with the suggestion earlier. Still, the urgent need to align with emerging conditions supersedes any other considerations. The morning brings fair weather with slight dew, hinting that comparable humidity may persist into the second innings. Maintaining strict discipline across every full 40‑over cycle is essential. Continuous progress is vital—we aim to honor our history of victories—to guarantee consistent success. Hence, the assembled roster remains unchanged.

IND vs WI 2026: Playing XIs

India:

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.

West Indies:

Shai Hope (W/C), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Springer, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph

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