West Indies squad for T20 World Cup 2021

The defending champions, West Indies, have gathered a force that is quite capable of winning the third T20 World Cup trophy with some key and experienced players in the mix. Under the leadership of Kieron Pollard, the West Indian squad looks like one of the firm favorites. The fact that the players have had enough time to play in the CPL and IPL along with international T20Is gives them a good preparation going ahead into the mega event. 

The squad announced looks even better in some departments than the teams which won the T20 World Cups before in 2012 and 2016. For the top order, West Indies have Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis. Though Gayle’s form is a bit of a concern, he brings a lot of experience along with him and can turn the game around on his day. Shimron Hetmyer is another specialist batter, who might get slotted in the middle order if he is picked. 

Speaking of batters, there are two more players who can be considered in this category but provide this side with wicketkeeping options, vice-captain Nicholas Pooran and Andre Fletcher. Fletcher might start on the bench, but can be brought to strengthen their top-order any time. Apart from these two, there are a bunch of all-rounders who provide balance to this team. 

The West Indian all-rounders will be X-factor for this squad

Pollard will have some partners in Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo to share the workload. Roston Chase is one of the surprise picks and has been impressive in this year’s CPL, with bat and his off-spin. Apart from him, another talented left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder is Fabian Allen. To add to the variety in the spin department, West Indies also have the leg-spinner, Hayden Walsh Jr. 

With most of their bowling responsibility being covered, West Indies also have three pacers in their squad. Obed McCoy and Oshane Thomas are two exciting players, with different skill sets. Ravi Rampaul has returned to the squad after his sensational CPL season, but there is no clarity if he will start or not. There are four reserves in ​​Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder and Akeal Hosein. Among them, Holder’s impressive IPL run in the UAE may make the selectors bring him in the 15, but the big question will be – in place of who? 

Squad: Kieron Pollard (Captain), Nicholas Pooran (Vice-Captain), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh jr 

Reserves: Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein