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'Gautam Gambhir will look to rotate' - Morne Morkel drops huge playing XI hint for 1st T20I vs West Indies

India’s five-match T20I series against West Indies, starting October 6, 2026, in Lucknow, arrives just days after the team’s gold-medal defense at the Asian Games, where they defeated Pakistan by 19 runs. With the World Cup looming, India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, hinted at a rotation strategy under captain Gautam Gambhir, suggesting the playing XI may shift to optimize squad depth and performance.

Twelve of the 14 players from the Asian Games squad have been retained, including young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who will gain international exposure even if game time is limited. Morkel emphasized the value of such exposure, noting that learning from experienced teammates in training and travel settings is crucial for development.

The series serves as a testing ground for different combinations ahead of the World Cup, balancing immediate results with long-term player growth.

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