India eye winning start to campaign against USA:With Ishan Kishan likely to open, will defending champions drop Samson?

India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA with confidence and calm, aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the title. Despite moving on from stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after the 2024 triumph, the world No. 1 side has continued to grow stronger, winning nine bilateral series since then, including a dominant Asia Cup run. The return to form of captain Suryakumar Yadav, along with Ishan Kishan’s explosive comeback as opener and wicketkeeper, has ensured that India enter the tournament with all key pieces firmly in place. The Indian batting unit looks deep and dangerous, with Abhishek Sharma set to partner Ishan at the top, followed by the dependable Tilak Varma and a strong group of all-rounders in Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube. Rinku Singh adds further firepower as a finisher, making the line-up difficult to contain. On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah has been carefully managed for the marquee event and will share the new ball with Arshdeep Singh, while Harshit Rana’s pace and lower-order batting provide added balance. The spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy gives India a strong edge, though handling the dew at the Wankhede Stadium could be a key challenge. The USA, however, will not be short on belief as they face India on familiar Mumbai soil. Led by Monank Patel, the Americans have shown steady progress, highlighted by wins over top teams in recent years and a strong warm-up showing against New Zealand. With experienced India-born players like Saurabh Netravalkar, Harmeet Singh and Shubham Ranjane in their ranks, the USA will draw confidence from their knowledge of local conditions. While India start as clear favourites, the spirited hosts will be keen to build on past momentum and test the champions early in the tournament. IND vs USA, Match 3, match details Date Time: 07 February, 07:00 PM Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai How to watch: Jio Hotstar, Star Sports Bhaskar English (App/Website) IND vs USA, head-to-head records in T20 World Cup India and the USA have met only once in T20 World Cup history, during the 2024 edition at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. In that maiden encounter, India registered a comfortable seven-wicket victory. As a result, India currently hold a 1–0 lead over the USA in ICC tournament meetings. India vs USA probable playing XIs Top performers of India in the T20Is Suryakumar Yadav has been India’s standout T20I batter, scoring 3030 runs in 104 matches at an impressive strike rate of 165.48, with a highest score of 117. On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh has shone brightly, claiming 118 wickets in 76 matches with an economy of 8.53, including a best of 5/51. Top performers of the USA in the T20Is Monank Patel has been the USA’s key T20I batter, scoring 920 runs in 43 matches at a healthy strike rate of 137.51, with a top score of 104. With the ball, Saurabh Netravalkar has led the attack, picking up 40 wickets in 41 matches at an impressive economy of 6.85, including a best of 5/12. Wankhede Stadium, pitch report The Wankhede Stadium is known as a high-scoring venue that heavily favours batters, with good bounce and pace on the pitch. Under lights, chasing often becomes easier due to the conditions. The short boundaries and flat surface could give the USA confidence, especially if their batters handle India’s fast bowlers well. Mumbai weather report Saturday will be warm and dry, with the temperature hovering around 31°C. Skies are expected to remain clear, as there is no chance of precipitation. Humidity at 52% may add slight discomfort, while winds blowing at 19 km/h in Mumbai