India may have ticked all the right boxes on Thursday at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, but celebrations would be premature.
South Africa's win over
West Indies eased the net run rate complications for India. India's own emphatic 72-run victory over Zimbabwe then turned the final Super 8 clash at Eden Gardens into a virtual knockout. Beat West Indies, and India are through to the semi-finals alongside South Africa.
Simple. On paper. But tournaments are not played on paper, and West Indies are not a team to be written off.
India Can't Ignore West Indies Batting
The Caribbean side's only defeat in the tournament came against South Africa. And even in that match, there was a warning sign India would be foolish to ignore.
West Indies were reeling at 83/7 when Romario Shepherd joined Jason Holder. What followed was a counterpunch: 89 runs added in just 59 balls.
That partnership underlines one thing: West Indies bat deep. Dangerously deep. Even if India strike early, there is no guarantee of control. A side capable of launching from 83/7 cannot be allowed breathing room.
And that brings the spotlight back to India's bowling.
India's Middle-Overs Problem
India's batting has roared back to life: 256/4 against Zimbabwe was a statement. But even in that game, they would have hoped to restrict Zimbabwe further than they did.
Against South Africa, the pattern was more concerning. After reducing them to three early wickets, India allowed the Proteas to recover and post 187.
The issue has been the middle overs. Varun Chakaravarthy has not hit his best rhythm in this tournament. Hardik Pandya has been inconsistent with the ball. Against South Africa, neither exerted control.
Against Zimbabwe, Shivam Dube conceded 46 runs in two overs: a spell that exposed India's lack of reliable containment options unless conditions are heavily spin-friendly.
If India fail to squeeze in overs 7 to 15, West Indies possess the hitters to punish them severely.
India vs West Indies Eden Gardens History
There is another layer to this fixture: memory. West Indies stunned India in the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final. Eden Gardens was also the venue where Darren Sammy's side lifted their second T20 World Cup trophy.
Kolkata has been kind to the Caribbean before. And this current West Indies team carries the same explosive DNA: power, depth, and the ability to swing momentum in a matter of overs.
No Room for Relaxation
India's equation is straightforward: win and qualify. But the path will demand intensity from ball one to ball 120.
Early wickets will not be enough. Big totals will not guarantee safety. Middle overs will decide control. And any dip in aggression could prove fatal.
The stakes are clear. India have positioned themselves perfectly after Thursday.
Now comes the real test against a side that has the wherewithal to tear up scripts and rewrite endings.
