Call it naysaying if you like, but it would be preposterous to simply picturise the West Indies as a unit overflowing with turbocharged batsmen, versatile all-rounders, promising pacers and nagging spinners who command a huge asking price in Twenty20 leagues the world over.
That’s just one part of the story, and it belies the truth.
Of late, squabbles between the West Indies Cricket Board and the players are as common as beach parties in that part of the world. The recent exchange of letters between Darren Sammy, the T20 skipper, and Michael Muirhead, chief executive of the board, has painted a picture so ugly that you can’t tell who’s taking whom for a ride. Until a couple of weeks ago, we weren’t even sure if Sammy and his bunch of proven world-beaters would make the long trip to India for the ICC World T20. There weren’t, and aren’t, any such apprehensions when it comes to the Indian Premier League. It’s that bad, and that sad.
Given that elite cricket is largely an eight-team contest, the sorry state of affairs in the archipelago has, for some years now, deprived us of full-strength sides. This, in turn, has heavily impacted the quality of cricket on display across formats where everyone’s a king at home but a pauper abroad.
Reams have been written on the significance of having a healthy, fully committed, not-just-to-make-up-the-numbers unit from the West Indies. Imagine an uninterested Brazil or, for that matter, a lackadaisical Spain in world football...
Overall |
Played | 25 |
Won | 13 |
Lost | 11 |
But in the midst of this mess, one wonders how the Gayles and Pollards, Bravos and Narines continue to mesmerise us with their captivating brand of cricket. It’s a million-dollar question without a straightforward answer.
After taking a cursory look at the West Indies squad, even the average Joe will tell you it looks dangerous. Given that they have their bases well and truly covered, don’t be surprised to see the ‘Maroon Brigade’ line up to croon Rally Round the West Indies at the Eden on April 3. It’s that unpredictable. But, then, so were The Incredibles.
Used to spending months together in India year after year, Chris Gayle is as popular as Virat Kohli. Ditto with Dwayne Bravo, who continues to redefine the idea of a utility player in ‘pyjama cricket’.
Clubbed with England, South Africa, Sri Lanka and a qualifier in Group 1, you’d expect them to spoil the party of at least one of the non-Asian teams. The pitch won’t matter. The weather won’t either.
Guess it’s just a case of waking up on the right side of the bed. That’s how they play their cricket anyway!
Also read: Cricket is the glue that unifies the Caribbean
