‘We back him to do well’ – Kieron Pollard backs Chris Gayle to come good in T20 World Cup 2021

West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard has had Chris Gayle’s back going into the 2021 T20 World Cup in Oman and the UAE. Gayle hasn’t had the best of years and drew criticism from former pacer Curtly Ambrose, who said that the southpaw shouldn’t have been an “automatic choice” for the mega event. Later, Gayle reverted with some nasty words for the retired fast bowler.

In the meantime, Pollard thanked Gayle for his contributions in the World Cups ever since the tournament got underway in 2007. The latter is only 97 runs short of becoming the all-time leading run-scorer in T20 World Cups, surpassing former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene. Pollard said that Gayle and the Caribbean team are focussed on defending their title.

Hopefully, he can come and deliver for us, says Kieron Pollard

“Again, no words to describe what he has done for us in World Cups, in the T20 World Cups, and T20 cricket around the world as an individual,” Pollard said during a captains’ media session on Saturday

“For him, 97 runs away, but I don’t think he will be looking at that. I think the main goal for us and him, is trying to win a World Cup and defend the title. He is looking forward to that. Hopefully, he can come and deliver for us. We back him to do well,” he stated.

Pollard also reckoned that playing in the 2021 Indian Premier League could benefit the West Indies players to a large extent. Moreover, he reckoned that the matches in the IPL gave an insight into how the World Cup games might look like.

“I thought it was good for us and again not only as but all the players who are involved in this World Cup… get an opportunity to get a feel for what the UAE has to offer.

“I am sure some interesting sort of stats, comparisons, different sort of trends might have come out of the recently-concluded IPL,” Pollard added.

West Indies are set to start their campaign against 2016 runners-up England on Saturday, October 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pollard and Co. are also scheduled to lock horns with Pakistan and Afghanistan in two warm-up games.

Check the latest updates of the T20 World Cup schedule, T20 World cup Teams and Squads, T20 World Cup Points table, and more on CricTracker.