Windies coach Sammy emphasizes the importance of ‘X-factor’ bowlers in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
In New Delhi, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy emphasized the growing dominance of batsmen in T20 cricket, noting that bowlers possessing unique qualities could be pivotal in the upcoming World Cup in June.
The prevailing trend of high scores in T20 cricket was evident in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), where teams routinely achieve 200-plus totals, illustrating the batsmen’s control over the game.
Reflecting on the batting-centric nature of T20 cricket, Sammy, who led West Indies to victory in two T20 World Cups, anticipated a continuation of this trend during the June tournament.
Windies coach Sammy emphasizes the importance of ‘X-factor’ bowlers in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Expressing concern for bowlers facing immense pressure, Sammy highlighted the challenge faced by both young and seasoned international bowlers, citing the high-scoring matches in the IPL as evidence of batsmen’s dominance.
In anticipation of power-hitters dominating team selections, Sammy emphasized the significance of bowlers with unconventional skills or actions, suggesting that they could be instrumental in defending or limiting opposition scores.
Sammy also underscored the impact of raw pace in quieting aggressive batsmen, drawing parallels to the role of Lasith Malinga in Sri Lanka’s triumph in the 2014 T20 World Cup, and the contributions of Fidel Edwards, Jerome Taylor, and Ravi Rampaul during his captaincy.
While Sammy expressed confidence in West Indies’ batting prowess comparable to their championship-winning squads, he acknowledged the importance of all-rounders in bolstering their bowling department.
Sammy lamented the absence of the ‘X-factor’ bowlers that characterized their victories in 2012 and 2016, but highlighted the talents of Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie in spin bowling, alongside the contributions of Alzarri Joseph and other all-rounders.
Regarding efforts to persuade Sunil Narine out of retirement, Sammy indicated ongoing discussions but expressed uncertainty about Narine’s availability for selection.
West Indies, set to co-host the tournament with the US, are gearing up for the challenge ahead.
