India and West Indies will square off in a do-or-die Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday (March 1).

Ahead of the virtual quarterfinal, former cricketer Kris Srikkanth has backed the defending champions to register an easy win, citing 'terrible' West Indies top-order and medium pacers with 'no pace or bounce.'

Just like India, West Indies have lost only one match in the T20 World Cup so far — to South Africa. The men from Caribbean fought back brilliantly against the Proteas, going from 83/7 to 176/8 with Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd coming way down the order and tonking sixes with power.

However, the West Indies bowlers couldn’t contain the South African batters as they chased 177 in only 16.1 overs with nine wickets to spare.

“West Indies have six hitting capabilities. But who will bowl for them? Ian Bishop only has to come back and bowl for them. They also have a terrible top order, especially the openers. Hetmyer is the one good player in the top order, who is also used to Indian conditions. Their batting lineup is too much of a hit-and-miss. India are a far, far superior side," Srikkanth said in a video on his YouTube channel.

“India will smash guys like Shankar Joseph. Brandon King and Shai Hope have not scored at all. It’ll be such an easy win for India that there is no need for even a percentage. The West Indies have only good spinners. Their medium pacers are too easy for the Indian batters. They get no movement and have no pace or bounce," he added.

According to Srikkanth, only flat Kolkata pitch could give West Indies a chance, with their batters piling up a huge score after batting first.

“The only threat the West Indies can pose to India is by batting first and scoring 240. Maybe even 200 to 210, if they score, they may have a chance. Kolkata is a small ground with a flat pitch, which works for both sides. If the West Indies hit 15 sixes, India will smash 18 sixes," he remarked.