Kolkata: West Indies captain Darren Sammy thinks that it will be very difficult to replace Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard. Narine has been reported for a suspect bowling action while Pollard opted out for an injury.
“We have a really good side. Obviously it’s difficult to replace to Pollard and Narine who were key members on our side when we won the World Twenty20 in 2012. But we have Carlos Braithwaite who has replaced Pollard, and is an exciting all rounder. I hope he will play a big part in the tournament. There’s also Nurse replacing Narine. He brings in his batting capability. “
“We had a week in Dubai camping and most of the guys were there playing in the Pakistan Super League. We have given ourselves the best chance of preparing. We believe we could win the World Twenty20.”
Most of the team members have been playing in various leagues like IPL,Big Bash,PSL around the world. They didn’t play much of cricket together.
“Ideally we want to be playing International cricket. But when I look in my dressing room I see Gayle, Bravo, Russell, Badree, Samuels… all these guys are experienced players. Its one format of the game we as a team is really confident. When I see all this quality in this dressing room my job becomes very easy as a captain. Ideally we will want to be playing International matches but the fact our guys play T20 around the world it’s not difficult to adjust.”
“We have been playing together for a while. We know the ins and outs of the game and it won’t be difficult to gel in together.”
On being asked if Narine will be missed Sammy replied,”It’s always difficult to replace somebody like Narine. But it creates an opportunity for others players to step up and I believe the players can still get the job done. Come on March 16 when we start against England, we will be in a comfortable position.
For the last couple of years West Indies cricket had various ups and downs .”
“We need to win it that’s what I need to tell you. Our sole focus is doing whatever we can. It’s been a massive motivation for us to see our youngsters doing win U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh. Once your country win a major event, it elevates the country the nation and for us the region.
“Cricket is the glue that unifies Caribbean so whichever team does well it’s always a massive plus for the people in the region.”
A large number of West Indies player have been playing in the IPL. On being asked Will it be a added advantage Sammy answered,”The good thing for us is we have so many guys in our team who are familiar with the conditions. The conditions are no stranger to us. We have been playing against India or many of our players are in the IPL. It’s about adjusting quickly, the sooner you get accustomed, the better it will be for you in long run. We have our plan, and once we get there and execute them we will pose some difficulty to the opposition.”
Sammy also added that Caribbean cricketers are doing their best to bring back the old glory.
“We dominated the world for 17 good years. We had some great players. Right now we are doing that in T20 cricket. We have 15 potential match winners. We have a fairly balanced side. With coaching staff and myself will pick the best combination for the opposition in the conditions”.
West Indies cricket was in turmoil as the players refused to play in the tournament due to payment problem. Later the crisis was solved and they named a pretty strong side.
“As of now we are in the World Twenty20 and that’s what our focus is on. It’s just cricket. At the end we are professionals, but this event means a lot to us as a group. The next is in World Twenty20 is in 2020 and a few of our guys won’t be part of the event so this one is very important for us. Everyone’s focus is on winning. A win here will mean a lot to us and people at home, especially in the current situation of our cricket. It’s not just about the men team but the women team as well.”
“The message is cricket. Once you step out on the cricket field you should not be worried about contracts and other stuff. It’s about making your contry proud. Ideally you would like everything to be smooth sailing but that’s not the case for us so we just are going to do what we can on the field.”
West Indies colts have recently emerged champion in the U-19 World Cup. Sammy said they would like to replicate their success.
“ U-19 has been a motivation for us. We want to emulate as a senior team. The only way to emulate us is to lift the Trophy on April 3.”
“I’m just happy with the squad I have. It creates an opportunity for other players.”
With the likes of Chris Gayle in his team Sammy sounds confident ahead of the World T20.
“Chris is a massive figure for us not only just on field but off the field as well. To me he’s the best T20 batsman, the most destructive one. He knows the game inside out. As a captain, the beauty is I don’t have to tell these players how to go about it. They are seasoned and know their jobs. If all of us come to the party and play how we know to play we will be a big force to reckon with. T20 is about excitement, entertainment and there’s no doubt this West Indies team has always brought that to the table so the question is ‘kaun banega champion?”