West Indies captain backs big-hitting Chris Gayle to deliver

Published October 18, 2021
Kieron Pollard (L) and Chris Gayle (R) are seen returning to the pavilion in this file photo. — Twitter
Kieron Pollard (L) and Chris Gayle (R) are seen returning to the pavilion in this file photo. — Twitter

DUBAI: Chris Gayle has joined the West Indies for their title defence in the Twenty20 World Cup and skipper Kieron Pollard backs the big-hitter to come good in the United Arab Emirates.

The self-styled ‘Universe Boss’ left the Indian Premier League in the UAE due to ‘bubble fatigue’ after months of franchise and international cricket during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Living in bubbles is difficult. If a guy who enjoys himself in any situation can’t take it, it shows how difficult it can be for some of us,” said Pollard. “We are backing him to do well.”

The 42-year-old Gayle will be among the oldest players in the competition when West Indies begin their campaign against England on Saturday in the Super 12 stage.

He is just 97 runs away from overtaking Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene (1,016) as the highest run-getter in the T20 showpiece event.

But Pollard insists Gayle is not after records but winning games and titles for the team.

“No words to describe what he has done. The guy with the most number of runs and most sixes,” said Pollard. “The fear that he instills in bowlers when he is standing at the opposite end. The main goal for us and for him in conversation is trying to win a World Cup and defend the title. He is looking forward to that.”

Fast bowler Dwayne Bravo will be another key player for West Indies having won the IPL with Chennai Super Kings on Friday.

Bravo remained Chen­nai’s death bowling star and Pollard expects another strong show from the 38-year-old all-rounder.

“I think he has shown time and again what he brings to any team,” Pollard said.

“For Chennai to go on and win was a fabulous team effort, and for him personally to continue doing what he does at the backend, to close out matches for his team was superb.

“The form that he has shown in the IPL, he can come here with no pressure and do well for us.”

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.