Indian team better prepared for slowish tracks

Former cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has stated that the Indian cricket team is better equipped to face slowish tracks in the upcoming five-match T20 series against the West Indies, following their recent participation in the Asian Games in Japan. The team will commence their series in Lucknow, where the pitch is expected to pose challenges for both batting and bowling.

However, Pujara noted that the Indian squad has honed their skills to handle such conditions due to their performance at the Asian Games. Abhishek Sharma, the Indian opener, is reported to have shown significant improvement in batting against off-spinners, which could give him an advantage over West Indies off-spinner Roston Chase.

While Sanju Samson, the experienced Indian left-hander, is favored to open the innings again, Pujara emphasized Samson's importance to the team due to his World Cup-winning experience. Tilak Varma, the Indian left-handed batsman, has become a reliable finisher, capable of handling pressure at the death, making him a valuable asset at numbers 5, 6, and 7 in white-ball cricket.