West Indies have not tasted massive success from a long time. The team that dominated cricket in the 70s and the 80s have lost its sheen and it has been a continuous struggle for them against good sides. But things look good for them ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The team from the Caribbean possess one of the most dangerous batting line-up and can surprise any team. This will be the first time after a long time that people are expecting West Indies to do well in an ICC trophy.
T20 format provides a good opportunity to lesser teams as one good innings or spell can change the course of the match and West Indies have a lot of players who can turn the match on its head. Former players are all saying that West Indies is the team to look out for. All the other 11 countries will be well aware of the danger that this team possess.
The biggest advantage for West Indies is that almost all the players in the squad are perfectly suited for the shorter formats. The West Indians have always had flair in whatever they do and the T20 format gives them the perfect opportunity. Most of the players in the team have the experience of playing in different T20 tournaments round the globe.
West Indies has a smashing batting line-up. Chris Gayle is the most dangerous batsmen in the world and everyone will be aware of the power he possesses. He can turn matches in the matter of few deliveries. What has changed about Gayle’s batting is the composure he shows. He waits for the opportunity and plans his innings beautifully.
Gayle will get good support from Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Darren Bravo and others. All these batsmen have the ability to clear boundaries and will be a threat to any opposition.
No team can match the amount of all-rounders that West Indies have. This team has as many as five genuine all-rounders and that gives West Indies the edge over other teams. Darren Bravo and Kieron Pollard can do wonders with the bat. They are among the hardest hitters of the world and their medium-pace bowling can be mighty effective on the Sri Lankan pitches.
Darren Sammy, the captain of the team can hit some huge shots. He doesn’t require any time to settle and can go bang-bang from the first delivery. His wicket-to-wicket bowling can make things difficult for the opposition batsmen. Dwayne Smith is another player who can smash balls to every part of the ground. He can score runs at amazing pace. Smith also has the ability to swing the new ball. Young Andre Russell is quickly making a name for himself. He can bowl at a good pace and is a dangerous hitter of the cricket ball.
When it comes to bowling, West Indies have the mystery spinner in their team in the form of Sunil Narine. Narine was the prime reason why Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL-5. He will definitely be a bowler to watch out for. In the pace bowling department, West Indies have the experience of Ravi Rampaul and Fidel Edwards. Both these men are attacking bowlers and can pick some early wickets for their team.
Key Players: Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine
West Indies complete squad:
Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, Samuel Badree, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Fidel Edwards, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith
By Gaurav Jha
Indian Sports News Network
