t20 world cup 2026 A high-stakes ‘virtual quarter-final’ has been reached at the prestigious Eden Gardens, where west indies Face a rising Indian side. After a crushing nine-wicket defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad, the Maroons are in a ‘win or go home’ situation to seal a place in the semi-finals.
Veteran former captain amid tension carl hopper have expressed their concerns regarding the team’s recent tactical blunders, particularly pointing to a serious lapse in the bowling department. In form of shy hope-led side set to face India’s explosive top-order, Hooper believes returning to a proven formula is the only way to eliminate the hosts’ momentum. With the two-time champions’ destiny in their hands, the veteran’s advice highlights the dire need for tactical ‘courage’ to counter India’s clinical stroke-makers on the historic Kolkata ground.
West Indies legend points to missing link in Shai Hope’s playing XI for India vs Eden Gardens match
Former West Indies captain carl hopper He left no stone unturned in his assessment of the team selection, clearly naming the left-arm spinner Akil Hossein As a player who should be reinstated for the clash against India.
Despite Hosein’s status as a top-class T20I bowler, he was surprisingly sidelined in the last game against South Africa to accommodate the off-spinner. Roston ChaseA move Hooper labeled as a failed ‘match-up’ experiment. Hooper argues that Hosein’s accuracy and unique ability to strike during the powerplay is far more valuable than chasing typical batsman-bowler figures, especially against an Indian top order that thrives on pace.
“I don’t understand why Akil, who has also been the No. 1-ranked T20I bowler, was not included against South Africa. The idea of playing Chase was to have an off-spinner to counter Quinton de Kock
and No. 3 (Ryan Rickelton). But I really hate these match-ups. In Akil, you have a bowler who is accurate, can bowl with success in the powerplay. So, why wouldn’t you keep him in the team? They just have to trust their skills, focus on the basics and be courageous.” The Telegraph India quoted Carl Hooper as saying.
West Indies’ blueprint to overcome India’s shortcomings in Kolkata
In addition to the inclusion of Hosein, Hooper provided a comprehensive blueprint for the West Indies to “fix the shortcomings” that had been exposed. Ahmedabad. He said that although India has world-class batsmen, they no longer dominate spin, like the historic invincibility of the giants. Navjot Singh Sidhulike giving spinner gudakesh pearl And Hosein created a window to “mix it up” with flight and flatter delivery.
Furthermore, given the average performance of the seam department on red clay, Hooper suggested that the grassy Eden pitch would be the perfect setting to bowl out the fast bowlers early in the innings to trouble India’s openers.
“In our time, even Navjot Singh Sidhu could demolish the opponent spin attack. But that is not the case anymore with the current Indian team. So, they (West Indies spinners) need to mix it up with a bit of flight and firing in the flat. Hitting a six or a four and then taking a single is the way to go. Getting 15 in one over and then only four in the next doesn’t help. But yes, the batsmen should not go into the shell or from there. Their natural game against the Indian attack should not be shifted.” Carl Hopper concluded.
Also read: Faf du Plessis picks his 5 best batting performances from T20 World Cup 2026
