West Indies vs India | Chris Gayle rested for T20Is as Sunil Narine and Kieron Polllard return
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West Indies will be without 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle, who had earlier made himself unavailable for the upcoming T20I series against India which is set to commence on August 3. Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard return to the side, while wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble has received a maiden call-up.
In rather disappointing news for all the fans who will be tuning to watch the India vs Windies T20I series, the hosts will be without Chris Gayle, who had earlier made himself unavailable for selectionsso as to participate in Canada's Global T20 League. Mystery spinner Sunil Narine and all-rounder Kieron Pollard have also been included in the 14-man squad along with Andre Russell but Russell will have to pass a fitness test before the first two games in Florida.
Khary Pierre and John Campbell, who have been playing for the West Indies 'A' against India 'A', have also received call-ups, while Guyana wicket-keeper batsman Anthony Bramble, who has impressed on the domestic circuit, has also received a maiden call-up to the team.
"This squad is an excellent balance of experience and youth. It's not just about the present but we are also looking at the T20 World Cup coming up next year and it is important that we find the right combination of players and the right formula for defending our title," interim chairman of the selection Panel Robert Haynes was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
"We have to make sure that we put certain things in place now so that when it comes to picking the squad for the T20 World Cup, it becomes easier, so we are giving more players the opportunity to play and get the exposure," he added.
Haynes also believes Narine and Pollard, who have not been regulars in the T20I side in the last couple of years, deserve another opportunity to showcase their talent in international cricket and perhaps, play themselves into the squad for the WT20 in 2020.
"We felt that players like Narine and Pollard, who have played well in T20 leagues around the World, once they are fit and mentally ready to play, we must give them the opportunity to represent the West Indies again," Haynes said.Â
Speaking of newbie Bramble, Haynes said that they were impressed by his skills and leadership, a trait which saw him lead the "West Indies B" team to the final of the Global T20 Canada in 2018. Despite not possessing great numbers in T20 cricket, Haynes firmly believes that Bramble would be the perfect deputy for Nicholas Pooran, who is seen as the first-choice wicketkeeper heading into the series.
"We have been following his performances in regional competitions over the years and it cannot be forgotten that he led the West Indies 'B' Team to the GT20 in Canada, and that team did well to reach the Final," Haynes said. "We figured that though Nicholas Pooran will be the first-choice wicketkeeper, we needed to have someone to deputise in case something unexpected happens and he is a perfect choice," Haynes stated.
"He is 27 and has a lot of ambition, and we saw his character come out the way he batted whenever Guyana Jaguars were in problems in the West Indies Championship and Super50 Cup, so we know he is capable of getting the job done," he further added.
The first T20 will be played on August 3rd at Florida, United States.
Squad: John Campbell, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicolas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Carlos Brathwaite (c), Keemo Paul, Sunil Narine, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Anthony Bramble, Andre Russell, Khary Pierre.
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