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Windies look good on paper, have to perform as a unit
With their miserable Test record, the West Indies looks completely different team when they enter the T20 format. The players have a reputation of being hard hitters and its bowlers are very economical both while playing for the national squad or different T20 leagues around the world. They are a precious lot of players when they go under auction in the IPL. The 2012 winners must be looking to do well again with the likes of Dwayne Bravo, Gayle, Narine among others. Currently ranked 4th in the world have a good chance of making it to the eliminators given they play collectively.
West Indies have made a good name in the T20 scenario also because it has players whose individual performances make a huge difference. Captain Sammy is an able leader who has mentored the team well and has led from the front by his bowling and batting efforts. The batting in the presence of flamboyant Chris Gayle alongside Brathwaite looks very dangerous as he is unstoppable if he goes going. Darren Bravo hasn’t impressed too much of late and will be a test of his abilities. The middle-order that consists of Samuels, Ramdin, Dwayne Bravo and Russell shows that they bat deep.
Dwayne Bravo and Russell’s bowling in the middle-overs is also quite effective. They are all-rounders that most team long for. Spinners Benn and Badree have done well off late. Holder is the one to look out for as his death bowling is a concern.
The fielding of the squad is electrifying. Some sensational catching by players have become a cherished moment from previous editions. All in all the side looks tough but the only thing needs to be seen is how well they can handle the pressure situation.
Squad: Darren Sammy (capt), Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Jerome Taylor.
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Sunil Gavaskar gives his opinion of GT allrounder Rahul Tewatia
The left-handed batsman from Haryana is garnering praise from all quarters for the way he’s finishing games regularly in the most exciting IPL season.
Gavaskar reckons Tewatia’s whirlwind knock in Sharjah (in IPL 2020) where he smashed West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in an over, gave him the confidence that he belongs to the big stage.
Speaking on Cricket Live on Star Sports, Gavaskar said, “That assault on Sheldon Cottrell in Sharjah gave him the belief to do the impossible and the confidence that he belongs here. We saw the impossible (he did with the bat) the other day as well. There’s no twitching or touching the pads (which shows a batter’s nervousness) when he bats in the death overs. He just waits for the ball to be delivered and plays his shots. He’s got all the shots in the book, but most importantly his temperament to stay cool in a crisis is brilliant.”
Gavaskar has also nicknamed the 28-year-old cricketer the ‘ice-man’ and lauded Tewatia’s ability to remain unruffled during the tense moments.