The five-match T20I series between India and the West Indies moves east to Ranchi on Friday, with the visitors suddenly under serious pressure after a chastening defeat in the series opener. India romped to an eight-wicket victory in the 1st T20I in Lucknow on October 6, chasing down 172 in just 14.4 overs on the back of a magnificent unbeaten 102 from captain Shreyas Iyer. The hosts now lead the series 1-0 and will back themselves to tighten their grip at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, where a boisterous home crowd is expected. For the West Indies, the equation is simple but daunting: win here or face a must-win game in every remaining fixture of the tour. Shai Hope’s side must find answers to India’s deep batting order and a bowling attack that hunted in packs in Lucknow.
Match Details
Here are the key details for the second T20I of the series:
- Match: India vs West Indies, 2nd T20I
- Date: Friday, 9 October 2026
- Start time: 7:00 PM IST
- Toss: 6:30 PM IST
- Venue: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, Jharkhand
- Series: West Indies tour of India 2026, five-match T20I series (India lead 1-0)
Probable Playing XIs
Both sides are expected to field largely settled lineups after the series opener, though the West Indies may consider a tweak or two to their bowling combination.
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav.
West Indies: Shai Hope (c, wk), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Shamar Springer, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph.
Full 15-member squads:
India: Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav.
West Indies: Shai Hope (c, wk), Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Kamil Pooran, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.
Head-to-Head Record
India have had the better of this rivalry in the shortest format in recent years, winning 7 of the last 10 T20Is between the two sides to the West Indies’ 3. The hosts also swept the visitors 3-0 in the home T20I series in 2022, and more recently got the better of the Caribbean side in the 2026 T20 World Cup Super Eights clash at Eden Gardens. The West Indies, though, remain capable of springing a surprise on their day, with match-winners spread through their lineup. History says India start as favourites; recent form says the same. The visitors will need something special to turn the tide in Ranchi.
Pitch and Weather Report
The JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi has a reputation as a generally balanced surface. The average first-innings score in T20s here hovers around 165, and the pitch tends to offer some early assistance to the seamers with the new ball before settling into a true batting track under lights. Spinners can come into play in the middle overs if the surface grips, which brings Kuldeep Yadav and Akeal Hosein firmly into the contest. As for the weather, the evening is expected to be mostly clear with only a slight chance of a passing shower. Temperatures should sit between 19 and 27 degrees Celsius with humid conditions, so dew could be a factor in the second innings and the captain winning the toss may well prefer to chase.
Where to Watch
Fans in India can catch all the action live on television via the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on JioHotstar. The match gets underway at 7:00 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 6:30 PM IST. Supporters are advised to check local listings for channel numbers and language feeds. Live scores and ball-by-ball updates will also be available across major cricket platforms for those following the game on the move.
FAQs
When and where is the India vs West Indies 2nd T20I?
The match will be played on Friday, 9 October 2026, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The first ball will be bowled at 7:00 PM IST, with the toss at 6:30 PM IST.
What is the current series score?
India lead the five-match T20I series 1-0 after winning the series opener in Lucknow by eight wickets.
Who are the captains of the two teams?
Shreyas Iyer is captaining India in the T20I series, while Shai Hope leads the West Indies and also keeps wicket.
Who won the 1st T20I and how?
India won the 1st T20I in Lucknow on October 6 by eight wickets. After restricting the West Indies, India chased down 172 in just 14.4 overs, powered by captain Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 102.
Where can I watch the 2nd T20I live?
In India, the match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed live on JioHotstar, starting at 7:00 PM IST.
Final Summary
India head into the Ranchi T20I as firm favourites after a dominant eight-wicket win in the series opener, where their batting firepower and bowling discipline were on full display. The West Indies need early wickets with the new ball and a big total on the board to stand a chance of levelling the series. The key battles could decide the contest: Shai Hope’s duel with Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin in the middle overs, and captain Shreyas Iyer’s tussle with the West Indies pace attack led by Shamar Joseph. If the visitors cannot strike early, India’s deep batting lineup looks well placed to close out another comfortable win and go 2-0 up.
Green Benn is a dedicated sports writer specializing in cricket, including IPL and international formats. Known for clear, engaging, and informative content, Green simplifies complex match analysis and player statistics for all readers. Passionate about sports storytelling, Green delivers reliable, SEO-friendly articles that keep fans updated and informed
