India vs West Indies 2019: West Indies' predicted playing XI for the 1st T20I

West Indies will begin their three-match T20I series against India at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on 6 December. The Men in Maroon have named a star-studded squad for the series, with Kieron Pollard being the side's leader.

Pollard has a lot of experience playing T20 cricket, having featured in 493 T20 matches during his 14-year long career.

The two-time T20 World Cup winners do not have a lot of momentum on their side heading into this contest, as they surrendered to Afghanistan in the recently concluded three-match T20 series. However, the West Indian team has played a lot of cricket in the subcontinent this year and would therefore be primed to give Team India a run for their money.

On that note, let us have a look at the predicted playing XI and key players for West Indies in the first T20I:

---

Evin Lewis will have to provide a solid start at the top

Evin Lewis will open the innings for West Indies along with the Caribbean Premier League star Brandon King. Lendl Simmons should bat at the No. 3 position considering both King and Lewis are more comfortable while opening the innings.

Also see - IND vs WI schedule

Shimron Hetmyer will bat at number four, followed by skipper Pollard and wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin. The two bowling all-rounders Fabian Allen and Jason Holder will have the onus of contributing with the bat at No. 6 and No. 7 respectively - in addition to fulfilling their bowling responsibilities.

Kesrick Williams and Sheldon Cottrell will lead the team's fast bowling attack whereas Hayden Walsh will look to make his mark in the spin department ahead of the IPL 2020 auction.

Sheldon Cottrell

While India will start as the favorites to win the battle in Hyderabad, Pollard's men are certainly capable of pulling off a special performance and reversing the odds.

West Indies' predicted playing XI

Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Lendl Simmons, Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard (C), Denesh Ramdin (wk), Fabian Allen, Jason Holder, Kesrick Williams, Sheldon Cottrell, Hayden Walsh