Dew, toss in focus ahead of Ranchi T20I

Ranchi: Dew could play a major role in the second T20I here on Friday, with the toss likely to assume added importance as an early winter chill settles over the city. A thick layer of dew was visible along the sidelines during India's practice session, raising the prospect of difficult bowling conditions later in the evening and making the toss potentially crucial. The pitch is expected to be another good batting surface as the batting-loaded India look to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after their emphatic eight-wicket win in the opener. Spinners had their way as India bowled out West Indies for 171 before chasing down the target in under 15 overs, with captain Shreyas Iyer smashing an unbeaten hundred, his maiden century in the format. The JSCA Stadium is expected to be packed to its 38,000 capacity, with tickets reportedly being resold at almost twice their original price in the black market. 'I bought tickets worth Rs 3,500 and sold them for Rs 6,000. It was a good income,' an autorickshaw driver said. Ranchi has not hosted a T20I since January 2023, when New Zealand ended India's three-match winning streak at the ground with a 21-run victory. New Zealand defended 176/6 to restrict Hardik Pandya's India to 155/9, although the hosts went on to win the three-match series 2-1. The last international match at the venue was an ODI between India and South Africa in November 2025. For local fans, however, much of the attention will be on Ishan Kishan. The Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter, who scored only four in the 2023 T20I against New Zealand, received a warm homecoming on Thursday, with fans queuing up for selfies and autographs. Kishan was happy to oblige, adding to the anticipation around his return to his home ground.