T20 World Cup 2021: West Indies name 15-member squad, Ravi Rampaul returns

West Indies have finally announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The defending champions of the competition, West Indies will take the field with several T20 stars and all the participants must beware of them. While Kieron Pollard will lead the Men in Maroon in the gala competition, Nicholas Pooran continues to be his deputy.

Notably, the Caribbean selectors have gone with their best resources as there were several surprise inclusions in the squad. The likes of Ravi Rampaul and Roston Chase has been included all thanks to their impressive campaign in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League. As far as other players are concerned, dashers like Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, Andre Fletcher, and Lendl Simmons have been picked to showcase their blitzes in the top order.

Vice-captain Nicholas Pooran, who’s also the wicketkeeper, will share responsibilities with Shimron Hetymyer in the middle-order. It has to be noted that the selectors have gone with several all-round options. Besides skipper Pollard and Chase, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, and Fabien Allen have also been selected.

Jason Holder named in the reserve list, Sunil Narine excluded

Hence, one can expect the Caribbean to field a deep batting line-up. Interestingly, the selectors have gone with just one specialist spinner in Hayden Walsh Jr. despite the tournament taking place in Oman and UAE. Among the pacers, Ravi Rampaul will join forces with Oshane Thomas and Obed McCoy. Notably, former Caribbean Jason Holder hasn’t been named in the squad but is among the four traveling reserves.

Besides the all-rounder, Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, and Akeal Hosein have also been named reserves. Speaking of notable exclusions, speedster Alzarri Joseph hasn’t been considered while Sunil Narine continues to be out of the picture. Meanwhile, CWI’s chief selector has backed this team to shine in the competition.

“The squad is one with good depth and strength in all departments. There is tremendous T20 experience along with World Cup-winning experience which should stand the team in good stead. This squad is made up of many world-beating players who, once knitted into a world-beating team, will be extremely difficult to beat,” he said in a statement.

West Indies squad for T20 World Cup 2021:

Kieron Pollard (C), Nicholas Pooran (VC), Chris Gayle, Fabien Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh.

Stand by players: 

Darren Bravo, Cottrell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein