The five-T20I series will begin on October 6 in Lucknow.
The first T20I of the five-match series between India and the West Indies is scheduled for Tuesday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
Veteran spinner Akeal Hosein approaches the fixture—which marks his 100th T20I appearance for the West Indies—by balancing data preparation with instincts.
West Indies have won only two out of 12 T20Is in bilateral series on Indian soil. India hold the upper hand with 20 wins out of 31 overall T20I matches between the two teams.
Despite an unimpressive historical record on Indian soil, Akeal believes the series will ultimately come down to which team plans better and executes those plans more effectively.
“It's just about planning well, going out there and executing. I think the past is the past. All we can do is control our output now, go out there and change the results,” Hosein said at the pre-match press conference.
“For me, it's just about trying to do whatever the team requires. A five-match T20 series means that if you play in every game, the opposition can plan better for you each time. So, it's always about trying to stay one step ahead of the batter, being as clever as possible and getting the job done for the team. That's my general game plan,” he added.
Akeal Hosein also highlighted his strategic preparation to tackle India's explosive left-handed duo, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, in the high-stakes Powerplay phase.
“Unfortunately, I only bowled a couple of balls to Abhishek and Ishan in the IPL. I haven't bowled a lot to them, but as I mentioned, there is a lot of data available. It's just about having a clear mind, sticking to your plans and trying to execute them as best as possible,” he stated.
Hosein acknowledged that Powerplay bowling is one of the toughest jobs in T20 cricket, especially for spinners who don't have the luxury of extra fielders on the boundary to protect them against aggressive batters.
“Bowling in the Powerplay in general is pretty scary, especially when you're a spinner. You have a short space to work with on the pitch, and you only have two fielders out,” he said.
“It's extra difficult when you have good batting surfaces and guys who score at high strike rates. With that being said, there is a lot of data available. Even though I might not have played against these guys a lot, the data helps you plan and come up with a few options. It's just about going out there, backing yourself and trusting your process. Once you execute what you have planned, you will more than likely come out successful.”
Hosein emphasized the balance a modern bowler must strike between extensive data analytics and in-the-moment cricket instincts.
“Sometimes you have to let your instincts take over because, just as you are looking at data and trying to exploit a batter's weaknesses, they are also looking at data to get better,” he said. “You have to make that judgment on the day based on how the batter is operating, the boundary sizes, the wind factor, and whether the pitch is spinning, grassy, flat, or made of red or black soil. You try to factor in all those things as quickly as possible to come up with the best plan.”
Akeal Hosein also stressed the importance of tactical discipline and confidence required to face a powerhouse like India, particularly in T20 cricket.
“Don't get too greedy or experiment too much. Just stick to bowling the most difficult delivery for the batters to get away, and that should be your game plan,” he said.
While the reigning T20 World Champions will start as firm favorites, the West Indies are not approaching the series with any sense of intimidation after losing the ODI serries 2-1 to India.
“First of all, I didn't play in the ODIs; I just watched the matches, and it's two different teams. However, I back my boys,” Akeal said. “Even when we played them in the World Cup, we gave them a hell of a run. They know the threat we bring to T20 cricket and the brand we play. We know they are a dangerous team, but we are not going to back down.”
The series also has personal significance for Akeal Hosein, who is set to play his 100th T20I match. However, he remains conscious that selection comes before the milestone.
“I wish I could see the next five years. First of all, I'm still on 99 games; I have to get selected to play my 100th,” he said.
“With that being said, it's an achievement in itself. It shows that you're dedicated, hungry, and that your performances have been up to par. It's a great achievement and something to look back on and smile about.”
Instead of treating the landmark as an endpoint, he views it as another incentive to prolong his international career.
“Who knows if I can make 100 more? It's motivation to continue pushing and see how many games I can play,” he said.
“When you realise how many games a player has played, it shows they are doing something well and performing consistently. That's always the challenge for me, trying to perform and help my team win cricket matches.”
Akeal Hosein is also motivated to reclaim to No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Rankings for bowlers.
“Always. I've been number one before, and the aim is always to get back there. It's a personal motivation,” he said.
“I think most athletes, in whatever field they are in, want to be the best and be number one, not just to brag about it, but to keep pushing themselves. So yes, it's definitely something I'm looking forward to getting back to.”
(With IANS Inputs)