India's playing XI vs WI predicted for 2nd T20I [Source: AFP]After registering an emphatic eight-wicket victory at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, India are getting ready to take on the West Indies in the second game of the five-match series. The highly anticipated encounter will be played at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi and kicks off at 7.00 PM IST on Friday, October 9. Led by Shreyas Iyer, India had a fabulous start to the home series after claiming the gold medal in the Asian Games 2026 final. Bowling first, India restricted the Men in Maroon to 171 before Iyer scripted their run chase with a stunning hundred. As the Men in Blue gear up to sustain their winning momentum, our analysis breaks down the India predicted playing XI vs West Indies for the 2nd T20I in Ranchi. Openers and top order: Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan KishanDestructive batter Sanju Samson has had a torrid run in T20Is of late, scoring 29 runs in his last four outings. The seasoned campaigner was dismissed for 11 in the last match, and his persistent slump has brought Vaibhav Sooryavanshi back into the reckoning. However, the Gautam Gambhir-led management has shown great faith in Samson's ability and experience. As India emerged victorious in Lucknow, the possibility of Sanju Samson making way for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is unlikely. ALSO READIndia's T20I Record At JSCA International Stadium Ranchi Before IND vs WI 2nd T20I, 2026On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan's spots in the India playing XI vs West Indies as the second opener and number three batter, respectively, are indispensable. Abhishek and Ishan have been prolific in T20Is this year, amassing 832 and 1042 runs, respectively. Middle order and allrounders: Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Shivam Dube, Axar PatelCaptain Shreyas Iyer will look to add a few more milestones after scoring a majestic century in the first T20I. His deputy, Tilak Varma, has 536 T20I runs in 2026 and will be the backbone of the middle order in India's playing XI vs West Indies. Naman Dhir registered a historic three-wicket haul on his T20I debut in Lucknow and retains his place in the India predicted playing XI vs West Indies as one of the batting allrounders. Axar Patel, who bagged the wickets of Rovman Powell and Akeal Hosein and also took the crucial catches of Shai Hope and Shamar Springer, is an integral member of the India playing XI vs West Indies. Known for his power-hitting prowess, Shivam Dube will likely maintain his spot in the India playing XI vs West Indies for scoring 532 runs at a blistering strike rate of 166.77 in T20Is in 2026. Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank YadavIn Jasprit Bumrah's absence, Arshdeep Singh will likely continue as the spearhead of the pace battery in the India playing XI vs West Indies. Arshdeep is India's highest wicket-taker in T20Is and dismissed explosive opener Kamil Pooran in the first T20I. Kuldeep Yadav came in for Ravi Bishnoi and made an immediate impact with his wrist spin, scalping two key wickets in Lucknow. While he retains his place in the India predicted playing XI vs West Indies, the hosts might give Mayank Yadav another opportunity to prove his mettle. Mayank looked lacklustre with the ball, conceding 40 runs at the worst economy among Indian bowlers in the Lucknow T20I. However, his competitor, Prince Yadav, recently recovered from an injury. Since Mayank Yadav is considered one of the most promising fast-bowling prospects, the team management will likely keep him in the India playing XI vs West Indies for the 2nd T20I. India's predicted playing XI vs West Indies- 2nd T20I, 2026Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank YadavALSO READKieron Pollard To JSK, ILT20 Schedule Out- October 7 Cricket Highlights
