The West Indies cricket team has long been a powerhouse in T20 International (T20I) cricket, known for their dynamic play and prowess in limited-overs formats. Having won the ICC T20 World Cup twice, the ‘men in maroon’ have repeatedly shown their ability to perform under pressure.
Following an unusual and disappointing campaign in 2022, the team is keen to make a comeback and reestablish their dominance. This year’s tournament is especially significant as the West Indies are co-hosting, providing an opportunity for a potential third title in front of their enthusiastic home fans.
On May 3, the West Indies Cricket Board unveiled their 15-player squad, featuring several individuals who recently delivered standout performances in the IPL 2024 in India. Here are the five crucial West Indies players from this squad who could be pivotal at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
#1 Johnson Charles
Johnson Charles has had notable performances in ICC T20 World Cups. Playing for the West Indies, he has been part of significant matches and contributed to the team’s success. Notably, he played a crucial role in the 2016 T20 World Cup, where his aggressive batting helped West Indies win the tournament.
Charles’ performances in the T20 World Cup have showcased his ability to score quickly and provide strong starts for his team. Johnson Charles was not part of the West Indies squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, he has had impactful performances in previous editions.
In the 2016 T20 World Cup, Charles played a key role in West Indies’ triumph. One of his standout performances was in the semi-final against India, where he scored a quick 52 off 36 balls, helping West Indies chase down a challenging target and secure a place in the final.
#2 Gudakesh Motie
Gudakesh Motie has not participated in previous ICC T20 World Cups, as he only made his T20I debut in December 2021. Before this, he had an impressive domestic career and has been a significant performer for Guyana in various formats.
Motie’s career highlights include playing for the West Indies Under-19 team at the 2014 Under-19 World Cup and making his mark in first-class and domestic T20 cricket. However, his recent form in other formats has earned him a place in the current squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
#3 Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran finished IPL 2024 with nearly 500 runs at an impressive strike rate of 178.21. He overcame a mid-tournament slump with standout performances, including a 26-ball 48* against SRH, a 27-ball 61 against Capitals, and a match-winning 29-ball 75 against Mumbai Indians.
With over 300 T20 matches, including 88 internationals, Pooran’s experience is crucial for West Indies. His familiarity with Trinidad’s Brian Lara Cricket Academy and playing surfaces in the USA from his MLC stint will be valuable for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
#4 Andre Russell
Andre Russell, a two-time T20 World Cup winner for the West Indies, brings a formidable presence to the game. With nearly 500 T20 matches under his belt, he has accumulated over 8,000 runs at a strike rate of 169.80 and taken almost 450 wickets at an average of 25.32.
In IPL 2024, he scored 222 runs at a strike rate of 185 and took 15 wickets for KKR, contributing significantly to their top-table finish. Russell’s blend of batting and bowling prowess makes him a key player for West Indies in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
#5 Shimron Hetmyer
Shimron Hetmyer utilized his limited opportunities effectively for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024, particularly showcasing his prowess in the lower order. Hailing from Guyana, the aggressive left-hander maintained an impressive strike rate of 184.44 across seven innings.
In a crucial match against Punjab Kings, he delivered a blazing 10-ball 27* to orchestrate a remarkable run-chase victory for the Royals in Mullanpur. Hetmyer’s aggressive batting style is evident in his T20 career, boasting a striking rate of nearly 135, establishing himself as a formidable finisher in the game.
Despite missing out on the West Indies squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup due to a “missed flight,” Hetmyer is determined to make a mark at the 2024 event, aiming to showcase his talent in front of a passionate Caribbean audience and silence any doubters.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
