India take on West Indies in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, hoping to make it to the ICC World T20 final for the second tournament running. Standing in their way is Darren Sammy's Windies, who, despite losing in their previous game against Afghanistan have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with.
While West Indies' journey to the semi-final has been relatively straightforward after three wins to the start the tournament, India have had a much tougher task, after losing to New Zealand in the opening game of the tournament. Although they managed to win their last three group games and secure their semi-final berth it was anything but easy.
So let us take a look at the players who will be key to deciding the outcome of this match. Here are six players to watch out for:
Ravichandran Ashwin
Coming into the tournament on the back of an interesting couple of months, Ravichandran Ashwin has had a stop-start tournament much like Chris Gayle, against whom he will pit his wits in the semi-final. More often than not, MS Dhoni has decided against bowling Ashwin his full quota of overs and that has adversely affected the number of wickets that he has taken.
Batsmen have already taken a lot fewer risks against him and decided to play him out without giving him a wicket and that has been a concern. But when it matters most, the off-spinner has always delivered, whether it is in the IPL under Dhoni's stewardship or for India. And if he gets Chris Gayle out early on Thursday and helps India reach another final, not many will talk about his lack of wickets or effectiveness in this tournament.
Samuel Badree
Deprived of the opportunity of bowling with his spin-twin Sunil Narine, many expected Samuel Badree to not have as great an impact as he has had. But, the wily leg-spinner, despite bowling in the powerplay, has not only picked up wickets but also been incredibly economical as well.
His numbers tell you all you just how good he has been on tracks that have provided him with a bit of assistance. While six wickets in four matches isn't earth-shattering, it is how quickly and how economically he has taken his wickets that make his numbers so impressive. Not only does he have an average of 13.66, but his economy rate is under 5.5, which for a leggie bowling in the powerplay is simply staggering.
Ashish Nehra
When Ashish Nehra was called back into the squad for the T20I series against Australia, there were more than a few eyebrows raised. But such has been the left-arm seamer's performances that he has been an integral part of the side and not just someone who is there to make up the numbers.
India have always lacked a bowler who can pick up early wickets, especially in T20Is. But with Nehra, they finally have someone who is consistently picking up wickets at the start of the innings and ensuring that the opposition doesn't get off to a flying start. With the West Indies boasting of an impressive top-order that includes several big-hitters, India will need him to come up with the goods once again.
Dwayne Bravo
When it comes to bowling at the death overs, Dwayne Bravo has almost elevated that into an art-form with his array of slower balls, yorkers and bouncers. While it is easy to get carried away with batsmen playing all kinds of shots, Bravo has shown that if you trust your skillset and bowl to your strengths, then there is no reason why a bowler cannot stand out at the death.
It is not just that Bravo is primarily in the side as a death bowler, in fact, he is the one who is scheduled to come in at No.4 and provide the innings with some crucial momentum. Although he hasn't had much of a chance with the bat, there is no denying that he can be deadly if he gets going and India will be wary of that threat with both bat and ball.
Chris Gayle
The tournament so far for Chris Gayle, has been an interesting one. He got off to a flying start by scoring a century in the first game, he didn't get to bat in the second game and when he did, in the third, he didn't fire. For the final game of the group, he was dropped as a precautionary measure as he was carrying an injury.
However, despite his somewhat stop-start tournament so far, we all know just how destructive he can be when he gets going. And India will be wary of that threat as they look to reach their second consecutive World T20 final.
Virat Kohli
When you are in the kind of form that Virat Kohli is in, you simply don't want to get out of the field. Apart from one game against New Zealand when he was unable to see his side home, Kohli has been in simply sublime form in the ongoing World T20. His numbers are proof of that.
Such has been his prowess in marshalling a chase that the West Indies will be looking to avoid batting first, if they win the toss, irrespective of the deck that might be put in front of them. Given his form, his ability to simply pick and choose, when and where he gets his runs, he is someone that will be a key factor in which way the semi-final goes.
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