The two champions are gearing up to defend their title and are one of the favourites for the T20 World Cup 2021. However, there are several question marks surrounding their approach and squad. Windies captain Kieron Pollard expressed his views at the ‘Captain’s call’ event organised by the International Cricket Council.
The West Indies batting unit has often been labelled and criticised as a one-trick pony, with batters who can only play aggressive cricket. Pollard stated that while they’re loaded with powerful strikers who focus on six-hitting, they also have guys who can do the anchoring if needed.
“Everything is important, but we still have to play to our strengths and work on our weaknesses. We have a lot of powerful guys in the line-up, but if the situation warrants, we also have guys who can manoeuvre strike, run between the wickets. We look forward to playing complete games of cricket.”
Pollard reiterated the value the veteran players like Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo bring into the squad. The two seasoned T20 campaigners, who were pivotal in West Indies’ 2012 & 2016 title wins, were reintegrated in the team ahead of the World Cup preparations.
Pollard talked about the universe boss Chris Gayle, who has been receiving criticism from the likes of Curtly Ambrose. Gayle has had poor returns for the West Indies as well as in the IPL. Playing for Punjab Kings, Gayle scored only 193 runs from 10 innings at an average of 21.44.
For West Indies, Gayle has played 16 matches this year, managing only 227 runs at 17.5 and strike rate of 117.6. Pollard pointed out just how vital a player Gayle has been and backed him to come good.
“No words to describe what he has done for us in the T20 World Cups and T20 cricket around the world.
The guy with most sixes, most runs, the fear he instils in bowlers.
The main goal for him is to win the World Cup and he is looking forward to doing that.”
