1st T20I: India, West Indies look to set the template for T20 World Cup

In KL Rahul's absence, India have the opportunity to try out a new opening partner for skipper RohitKOLKATA: Two days after the mega IPL auction and following on the heels of a lopsided ODI series, it won't be easy for the three-match T20I series between India and the West Indies to catch the eyeballs. However, it might be a good opportunity for both sides to set the template about how they will approach the shortest format of the game looking ahead to the T20 World Cup in Australia in eight months. West Indies will look no further than the Eden Gardens, the venue of this series, to seek inspiration to stage a comeback. It was here that they claimed the double crown on the same day in 2016 when their men's and women's sides lifted the ICC T20 World Cup.

Although the hosts swept the ODI series, things could have been different. Coach Phil Simmons was right when he stated that: "You bowl India out for 230 and 260, you are expected to chase it." Sadly, the Caribbean batters faltered thrice, failing to last the full quota of 50 overs or reach 200 runs.

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West Indies are two-time T20 World Cup champions - the most successful team in T20 World Cup history - the only team to win the title twice (in 2012 and 2016).

In spite of that, the Men in Blue cannot afford to take their rivals lightly. The West Indies are known to be one of the most dangerous units in world cricket in this shortest format. No wonder, they contribute a large number of foreign players to the IPL. Players like Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Rovman Powell and Akeal Hosein can single-handedly turn any match on its head. They should also carry a lot of confidence after