Lucknow: The West Indies will return to familiar surroundings when they face India in the opening T20I at Ekana Stadium on October 6, shifting their focus to the shortest format after losing the ODI series 2-1 on Saturday.For the Caribbean side, Lucknow is not just another stop on the tour. The city holds memories of a long stay in 2019, when Afghanistan used the Ekana Stadium as their home venue. West Indies spent nearly a month in the City of Nawabs for a full series comprising one Test, three ODIs and three T20Is. Kieron Pollard was leading the West Indies white-ball side then, while Afghanistan were captained by Rashid Khan.That tour gave West Indies a close look at the conditions at Ekana, though the T20I results did not go their way. Afghanistan won the three-match T20I series 2-1, leaving the visitors with mixed memories of the venue.West Indies’ overall T20I record at Ekana also reflects the challenge. They have played four T20Is at the stadium, winning just one and losing three. India, meanwhile, have a stronger record here, with three wins and one defeat from four T20Is.The Caribbean players were back at the ground this week as preparations began for the upcoming clash. On an October afternoon, Quinton Sampson, Akeal Hosein, Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd were among the West Indies players seen during the nets. Around seven to eight members of the squad took part in the practice session as the team started adjusting again to the conditions in Lucknow.Unlike the ODI unit, West Indies’ T20I side carries a younger and more explosive look. The squad has power-hitters, athletic fielders and attacking bowlers who can change the tempo quickly. The visitors will hope the T20 format allows them to play with greater freedom and put India under pressure.Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd bring strength to the middle and lower order, while Akeal Hosein’s left-arm spin could be important on a surface that has often helped slow bowlers. West Indies’ approach is expected to be aggressive, with an emphasis on fearless batting and wicket-taking options through the middle overs.
