Windies’ keys to retaining their T20 crown
It’s been a difficult end to the year for the West Indies: A poor display in the tests in New Zealand followed a trip to India where Sammy’s men almost seemed like a sideshow as Sachin Tendulkar said goodbye to cricket.
Former great Clive Lloyd hinted at a surfeit of T20 as the reason behind these sub-par efforts but if that is the case, the Windies only have to wait a few more weeks before they can show the world what they can really achieve.
West Indies are World T20 Champions but can they defend that crown in Bangladesh in 2014? Here are six men who are key to a second consecutive success.
1. Chris Gayle
There was no great ‘Eureka moment’ when identifying Gayle as the West Indies’ most important player in the upcoming tournament. At 34, this is now his favoured format and his name always fetches the most attention, and the highest prices whenever any auction arises.
Gayle scored 222 runs at an average of 44.40 in 2012 but his stats in the IPL are incredible. 2013 saw the left hander amass 708 at 59.00 including that unbelievable 175 against Pune. Chris needs to stay fit and firing if his side are to have any chance of retaining that title.
2. Johnson Charles
Charles’ efforts with the big gloves means that the selectors can afford to leave out Denesh Ramdin and have more depth in the batting department. It’s been a good 12 months for the 24 year old who now has two ODI tons and a best of 84 in T20 internationals but will the selectors stick with the St Lucian or will he have to make way when the world cup comes around?
Charles has the ability to cover for Gayle when the big man fails but he needs faith from the selection committee to keep his confidence high over the next few months.
3. Dwayne Bravo
From a neutral point of view, it seems baffling that Dwayne Bravo isn’t currently playing test cricket for the Windies and we sometimes sense a little friction between himself and Sammy whenever the two of them take to the field.
Dwayne remains a dangerous hitter in the late overs, although his stats haven’t been quite as great recently, but his real value in Bangladesh lies in his death bowling. Both West Indies and the Chennai Super Kings throw the white ball to Bravo in the endgames and he rarely, if ever, disappoints. Let’s hope he can keep that up in 2014.
4. Marlon Samuels
Samuels had a brilliant World Cup in 2012 and who can forget his team mates dusting him down for the Man of the Match ceremony as the Windies closed in on victory? Samuels finished that tournament as a genuine all rounder with eight more runs than Gayle while his 1-15 from four overs against Sri Lanka helped seal the win.
He is another man who needs to find form fast ahead of Bangladesh 2014 but along with the other five names on this list, the Windies will have a better chance of success if Samuels hits his peak.
5. Sunil Narine
Once again, this is purely from a neutral’s point of view but there is a theory that players have ‘worked out’ Narine and that his mystery spin isn’t as potent as it was when he burst onto the scene.
However, while Samuels took the accolades, Narine’s 3-9 doubtless won the 2012 final and in IPL 6, he took a creditable 22 wickets in a very poor KKR side. More of the same from the 25 year old could ensure that the trophy stays in the Caribbean.
6. Jason Holder
Jason the giant paceman was a surprise addition to the Chennai squad at this year’s IPL but he performed well at times during that competition and in T20s around the world he has a creditable record of 29 wickets with an average of under 30.
He’s yet to play a T20 international however so will he play any part in the Windies’ defence? We think he should and from an outsider’s viewpoint once again, he is the side’s most hostile bowler. What do you think of the West Indies’ chances at the T20 World Cup? Do you think they can retain their title or do recent results suggest that the trophy will be heading elsewhere in 2014?
T20 World Cup
