T20 World Cup 2021: West Indies’ probable playing XI
The T20 World Cup is all set to begin on October 17 in the UAE and the defending champions West Indies will be eager to retain their glory in the shortest format of the game. Apart from being defending champions, West Indies do appear as a sturdy side who can be called as one of the favourites. Talking in the same sequence, let’s take a look at their predicted playing XI for the T20 WC.
Openers (Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis)
Simmons has been in West Indies’ rank for quite some time now and even at the age of 36, he looks strong enough to produce some quality cricket. With 65 T20Is under his belt, he is sure to open for them alongside Evin Lewis. Lewis has two T20I centuries in his bag which is quite a deal and the southpaw looks determined to smash some sixes in the high-profile tournament.
Middle-order (Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, and Nicholas Pooran (wk), Kieron Pollard (c))
The middle order of West Indies will be led by the trio of Gayle, Hetmyer, Pooran, and Pollard. No words will ever define the potential of Universe Boss in the shortest format of the game. He has been dominating the IPL since 2011 and even with age not being on his side, he can reduce the bowlers to nothing in no time.
Hetmyer and wicketkeeper Pooran are also two stylish batsmen who can do wonders in the middle order. Hetmyer might not be very consistent but he has maintained a strike rate of 150 plus in leagues like BBL and IPL and this will be enough to back him.
There can be a debate on keeping Pollard in middle-order batsmen or all-rounder category but the situation remains a win-win for WI. The skipper can play some blistering knocks and can also come handy with some over if the situation demands.
All-rounders (Andre Russell, DJ Bravo, Fabian Allen)
With two of the best all-rounders in the world in the name of Andre Russell and DJ Bravo, WI are quite robust on this front. Both are equipped with immense potential and they showed that clearly in their last IPL games with KKR and CSK, respectively. Allen on the other hand can do his role well, being around the likes of senior players.
Bowlers (Obed McCoy and Hayden Walsh)
Hayden Walsh has risen up the ranks immensely of late and there is no denying the fact that he will be seen in WI’s XI at the gala event. He has been able to keep bowlers like Sunil Narine at bay so far. McCoy on the other hand will be the final man seen in WI’s XI in the UAE.
