Imagine a question popping up on your mobile screen before the start of the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies – Which is that one moment from previous World Cups that you cherish the most? One of the several answers could be that of West Indies’ twin titles in 2012 and 2016. Over many decades, the West Indies have enthralled the audience with their Calypso flair, and have become a popular side across frontiers.
It is true that West Indies’ assembly line of fast bowlers isn’t like what it used to be. On a brighter note, even now the Caribbean side comprises batters who can clear the boundary rope with ease. Having said that, the West Indies were placed a lowly fifth in their group in the 2021 T20 World Cup and that was followed by an ignominious exit in Round 1 of the next year’s edition of the tournament.
So, why is there a sense of optimism, this time around? One of the reasons is their recent performances in bilateral rubbers: West Indies have won four out of their last five rubbers. Although a couple of those teams were not at full strength, the West Indies did demonstrate some pluck alongside their trademark flamboyance to get the better of defending champions this year, England.
Moreover, one of the key figures in the line-up, Nicholas Pooran is back in form. The former West Indies skipper could accumulate a mere 25 runs a couple of years ago in Australia, and that too at a strike rate of less than 100. Pooran’s willow, however, has been burning bright in the recent past. He notched up close to 500 runs and at a mind-boggling strike rate of 178.21 in the 2024 IPL. He also crunched a blistering 25-ball 75 against Australia in a warm-up game before the mega event.
Rovman Powell, another of West Indies’ power-hitters and the captain of the side, also accrued a quick-fire fifty in that game. It was a timely hand for Powell as he had a rather disappointing time in the IPL. The biggest positive to emerge from the IPL was Andre Russell’s bowling form. The big-hitting all-rounder consistently hit the deck hard and varied his pace to pick up vital wickets.
Gukadesh Motie, the left-arm spinner, adds spine to the bowling side of things. He isn’t just accurate but also extracts enough turn. Shamar Joseph’s promising displays versus Australia and South Africa would also bring a smile on the faces of Daren Sammy and co. Joseph was even entrusted with the duties of bowling in the slog overs in the South Africa series. He also has the uncanny ability to generate late movement with the new ball.
Despite all the encouraging signs, there are a few bottlenecks surrounding their line-up. One of them is Shimron Hetmyer’s poor run of scores, especially while playing for the West Indies. The middle-order bat has crossed the 25-run mark only once in T20 internationals since August 2022. In that context, the West Indies would be delighted with Sherfane Rutherford’s cameo in the practice game.
That also makes you wonder whether West Indies would go in with all three of Johnson Charles, Brandon King and Shai Hope, with the first two opening the batting, and the last of the three names mentioned, batting slightly lower down or order. Or perhaps trust Hetmyer to regain his touch in the World Cup.
The West Indies also have a few threats to negotiate as they are placed in a rather tricky group, which also has New Zealand and Afghanistan. It is difficult to pick a favourite in the shortest format due to its unpredictable nature. To illustrate the point further, England lost to Ireland in 2022, but at the right juncture, they found an extra gear and emerged triumphant by usurping Pakistan in the summit clash.
On paper, the West Indies have enough artillery to be rated as a contender. Can the men in maroon do it again? In a little more than couple of weeks, we will get to know.