The eighth edition of the T20 World Cup is set to kick off later this week on Sunday, October 16 as eight teams in qualifying round will tussle for the four places in the Super 12 where they will join the likes of Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, England and South Africa. Among those eight teams, Sri Lanka, who recently won the 2022 Asia Cup and the West Indies are favourites to move into the second round from Group A and B, respectively.
West Indies bereft of some of the superstars of the game including the likes of Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell will be fielding a young side led by Nicholas Pooran. Several players will be playing their first T20 World Cup but the team boasts of some exciting young talented players, who have shown their potential.
The Men in Maroon haven’t had a great run going into the T20 World Cup as they lost T20I series against India 1-4, against New Zealand 1-2 and against the hosts Australia 0-2 recently, however, the legendary West Indies batter Gayle has picked them to make the finals this time around. Gayle said that Australia vs West Indies could be the final of the T20 World Cup this year.
Speaking to Dainik Jagran, Gayle said, “I think there could be a final match between West Indies and Australia.”
While the likes of Gayle, Pollard and Bravo have retired, Russell and Sunil Narine were ignored and the hard-hitting opening batter admitted that it will be tough for the two-time champions this year, however, they have dangerous players in the squad, who could destroy any side on their day.
“It will be very difficult for the West Indies team as the captain of the team is new and there is no Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell and Bravo in the team.
“Yes, it is definitely that the players who are included in the West Indies team are talented and can prove to be dangerous for any team. As everyone knows it is just a matter of adapting your strategy in the right way on match day. I hope the team plays well,” Gayle added.
Gayle’s comment surprised many as neither India nor England were included in his picks. India, England along with the defending champions Australia are the top three contenders for the title this year.
West Indies will begin their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign against Scotland on Monday, October 17 in Hobart.
