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Australia Vs West Indies – T20 World Cup 2021 Match #38 Quick Review!

Australia Vs West Indies Quick Review – DJ Bravo (and most likely, Chris Gayle) retires from international cricket in a Warner-induced loss.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: Australia Vs West Indies Video Highlights

Toss: Australia won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Umpires: Langston Rusere & Richard Illingworth

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Australia won by 8 wickets
  • Scores: West Indies 157/7 Australia 161/2
  • Player of the Match: David Warner 89* (56)
  • Best Figures
    • Josh Hazlewood (4-0-39-4)
    • Akeal Hosein (4-0-29-1), Chris Gayle (1-0-7-1)
  • Most Runs
    • Kieron Pollard 44 (31)
    • David Warner 89* (56)

Moments of The Day: Erratic Batting, Warner Special, Retirements Mark Good Cricketing Day

  • Final match for the West Indies, and they started all guns blazing. Few fours for Evin Lewis, 2 sixes for Chris Gayle, West Indies 30/0 in 2 overs. Hazlewood’s first over went for 20.
  • Then came Pat Cummins and took the danger men Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran in over. Hazlewood would himself comeback and take 4 wickets. A few hits by Pollard & Russell ensured WI have a score to defend.
  • Questions on David Warner’s form will now be squashed. A fifty earlier in the tournament and now a commanding 89* (56) with 4 sixes steamrolled the West Indies. Beware of Mitchell Marsh at #3, . He has played some great nocks during this year and 53* (32) with 5 fours and 2 sixes means he is also coming back to form as Australia approach the semis..

Honorable Mention: Andre Russell’s 111 meter six; Dwayne Bravo hits a six in his final innings;

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Legends Retire

  • It is unclear if Chris Gayle has retired or not. He wants to play his final game in front of a Jamaica crowd, so there might be still some gas left in him.
  • Dwayne Bravo, however, has called it a day on his international career, which began way back in 2004. Test debut, 2004 Champions Trophy victory, 2 World T20s, and holds the record for most T20 championships around the world (Pollard second). He will continue to play in T2- leagues ’till his body holds.’
  • During the game, the atmosphere was beautiful. Chris Gayle signing gloves and giving them to the spectators. Cameras around Gayle and Bravo showed a positive mood. Hugs from teammates and oppositions, and Chris Gayle taking a last wicket of his final ball and hugging Mitchell Marsh (Watch the video below).

Bravo & Gayle In Pictures

Also Read: 200th Article Special: 5 Things I have Learned From My Journey of Cricket Writing

T20 World Cup Points Table, Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Dismissals

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Babar Azam – 264 runs (Pakistan, 5 Matches)
  • Wanindu Hasaranga – 16 wickets (Sri Lanka, 8 Matches)
  • Calum MacLeod 8 catches (Scotland, 7 Matches)
  • Matthew Wade – 8 dismissals (Australia, 5 Matches)

Group 1 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. England54108+ 2.464
2. Australia54108+ 1.216
3. South Africa54108+ 0.739
4. Sri Lanka52304– 0.269
5. West Indies51402– 1.641
6. Bangladesh50500– 2.383
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table

Group 2 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Pakistan550010+ 1.583
2. New Zealand54108+ 1.162
3. India42204+ 1.619
4. Afghanistan52304+ 1.053
5. Namibia41302– 1.851
6. Scotland50500– 3.543
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. A Review – Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka
  2. B Review – Group B 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
  3. 1 Review – Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies
  4. 2 Review – Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 11/07/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Home » Chris Gayle

Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

Sri Lanka Vs West Indies – T20 World Cup 2021 Match #35 Quick Review!

Sri Lanka Vs West Indies Quick Review – Sharp Sri Lanka ends West Indian T20 legacy.

Sri Lanka are leaving with their heads held high, 5 wins out 8 & a positive brand of cricket. WI depart as an era ends.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: Sri Lanka Vs West Indies Video Highlights

Toss: West Indies won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Umpires: Aleem Dar & Langton Rusere

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Sri Lanka won by 20 runs
  • Scores: Sri Lanka 189/3 West Indies 169/8
  • Player of the Match: Charith Asalanka 68 (41)
  • Best Figures
    • Andre Russell (4-0-33-2)
    • Wanindu Hasaranga (4-0-19-2)
  • Most Runs
    • Charith Asalanka 68 (44)
    • Shimron Hetmyer 81* (54)

Moments of The Day: Sri Lanka Batted Better, Fielded Better, Bowled Better

  • Everyone from Sri Lanka contributed today. Kusal Perera 29 (21) & Pathum Nissanka 51 (41) gave them yet another bright start, but it was Asalanka’a clinical timing and Shanaka’s finishing 25* (14) that gave SL an above-par sore.
  • In every one of these quick summaries, we have mentioned Hasaranga. Sometimes he has contributed with the bat, sometimes with the ball, and sometimes both. Oh and the fielding is pretty good as well. Here is how he fared in the tournament, definitely a player of the tournament contender:
    • 2/24
    • 71 & 1/12
    • 3/9
    • 6 & 0/29
    • 4 & 2/22
    • 4 & 3/20
    • 34 & 3/21
    • 2/19
  • In a must win crunch game, 8 out of the 10 West Indian batters, most of them legends, scored in the single digits. Only the young guns, Nicholas Pooran (age 26) scored 46 (34) and Shimron Hetmyer (age 24) made sure West Indies at least competed. Hetmyer did not give up till the very end, bringing the target down to 35 in 6 balls.

Honorable Mention: Rajapaksa’s diving catch to dismiss Roston Chase & Karunatne’s running catch to dismiss Holder were outstanding

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: The Sun Sets For the Legends

Darren Sammy had repeatedly set on air that these group of West Indian players were aware that this tournament would define their legacies, especially Chris Gayle & Dwayne Bravo. However, Gayle went out for 1 & Bravo for 2 (and only one wicket at an economy rate of 10.50). Bravo is officially retiring from international duty after this World Cup and one can only assume the same with Chris Gayle.

Pollard is still staying although his captaincy status depends on the board. With Pooran, Hetmyer, & Holder (only 29 years old), the leadership group for the next generation is there but rebuilding needs to start now.

In any case, thank you Legends. We love you for all you have given this sport. They have defined the T20 format and made it their own.

Also Read: 200th Article Special: 5 Things I have Learned From My Journey of Cricket Writing

T20 World Cup Points Table, Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Dismissals

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Charith Asalanka – 231 runs (Sri Lanka, 6 Matches)
  • Wanindu Hasaranga – 16 wickets (Sri Lanka, 8 Matches)
  • Calum MacLeod 7 catches (Scotland, 6 Matches)
  • Matthew Wade – 7 dismissals (Australia, 4 Matches)

Group 1 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. England44008+ 3.183
2. Australia43106+ 1.031
3. South Africa43106+ 0.742
4. Sri Lanka52304– 0.269
5. West Indies41302– 1.558
6. Bangladesh50500– 2.383
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table

Group 2 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Pakistan44008+ 1.065
2. Afghanistan42204+ 1.481
3. New Zealand32104+ 0.816
4. India31102+ 0.073
5. Namibia31202– 1.600
6. Scotland30300– 2.645
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. A Review – Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka
  2. B Review – Group B 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
  3. 1 Review – Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies
  4. 2 Review – Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 11/04/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Home » Chris Gayle

Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

Top 11 Cricketers Who Retired Too Early – The Lost Generation of Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, AB De Villiers, Hashim Amla, and Michael Clarke

Greatness.

A simple word that carries immense burden. What defines greatness in sports? Statistical brilliance, nostalgia, longevity? In cricketing terms, 99.94, memories like Brett Lee vs Sachin Tendulkar, 100 Tests, or 15 years+ career?

Also Read: 22 Unlucky Cricketers, Most Underrated Cricketers

Table of Contents

To Retire Or Not to Retire, That is the Question

Legacies are largely depended on the final days in the international arena. Retirement has always been a tricky issue in cricket.

Sourav Ganguly’s Ian Chappell saga tarnished his otherwise positive legacy. A poor 2007 Cricket World Cup ended dreams for Brian Lara & Inzamam ul-Haq. Simon Jones’ career ended before it could start due to injuries.

Some overstay and risk going out on a low. Others like German soccer captain Philipp Lahm retired internationally at the age of just 30 after winning the FIFA World Cup in 2014.

The Lost Generation

Today we dive deep into the careers of the lost generation of 2005—Alastair Cook, AB De Villiers, Michael Clarke, and Hashim Amla, all of them would retire prematurely.

With the triple retirement of Dale Steyn, Brendon Taylor, and Lasith Malinga, the legendary class of 2004-06 is coming to a close. Only Broad-Anderson & Ross Taylor remain from the greats of this era.

Sandwiched between the 90s golden generations of Sangakkara-Jayawardene-Muralitharan, Tendulkar-Laxman-Ganguly-Dravid, Kallis-Pollock-Boucher-Ntini, Inzamam-Yousuf, Ponting led Australia, & the Fab 4 (Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith), there was the class of 2004 & 2005.

Why did these cricketers retire so soon? How does the future look like? Read till the end for our in-deptj analysis & final thoughts.

11 Cricketers Who Retired Too Early

While legends of the past played 12-15 years, the cricketers in this list only had about 9-12 years of international cricket. The fact that they followed the golden generation lead to slightly later debuts and hence, even shorter careers.

One of the clear indications of the early retirement for the batters is the statistics. Most did not cross 10,000, their averages fell below 50, and the centuries hovered between 25-27 (although at one stage it seemed each of these players would break them all).

Anderson’s long career seems like he is on another level (which he is) but in all reality, at one stage, all of these players would have careers as long as Jimmy Anderson.

The players in this list were not dropped. They retired on their own terms or because of other circumstances. Hence, we exclude players like Ian Bell, Virender Sehwag, Umar Gul, Suresh Raina, and Gautam Gambhir who were available for selection but were unfortunately dropped from the team plans later in their career.

1. Michael Clarke (Australia)

Tests: 115 Matches, 8643 runs, 49.10 average, 329* best, 100s/50s – 28/27, 31 wickets

ODIs: 245 Matches, 7981 runs, 44.58 average, 130 best, 100s/50s – 8/58, 57 wickets

T20Is: 34 Matches, 488 runs, 21.21 average, 103.17 SR, 67 best, 50-1, 6 wickets

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: January 18, 2003 (ODI)
  • Last Match: August 19-22, 2015 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 21
  • Age Retired: 33
  • Why Did He Retire?

Retiring on a high is every cricketer’s dream. Captaining Australia to a victory at home in front of the MCG crowd must have been a surreal experience. A few months later, the Ashes would be his final appearance. One of the bests #4 batters of all-time with a godly conversion rate in Tests. The 2012-13 season would always be remembered as Clarke’s year, the only batter to score 4 double centuries in a year.

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2. Ryan Harris (Australia)

Tests: 27 Matches, 113 wickets, 23.52 average, 50.70 SR, best of 7/117 & 9/106, 4w/5w – 4/5

ODIs: 21 Matches, 44 wickets, 18.90 average, 5/19 best, 5w – 3

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: January 17, 2009 (ODI)
  • Last Match: January 5-9, 2015 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 29
  • Age Retired: 35
  • Why Did He Retire?

Harris’ career was a classic cases of fast bowling injuries. Whenever he was fit, he bowled his heart out and made an indelible impact. Could not make the XI in Australia’s golden generation and had to leave early due to chronic knee injury. Retired 3 days before the Ashes because he could not recover even after surgery. Will always be remembered for the ball of this century to dismiss Alastair Cook.

“I played 27 more Tests than I ever thought I would and I have relished every single moment of them.”

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3. Sir Alastair Cook (England)

Tests: 161 Matches, 12472 runs, 45.35 average, 294 best, 100s/50s – 33/57

ODIs: 92 Matches, 3204 runs, 36.40 average, 137 best, 100s/50s – 5/19

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: February 28 – March 4, 2006 (Test)
  • Last Match: September 6-10, 2018 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 21
  • Age Retired: 33
  • Current Age:36
    • Still playing for Essex and hitting centuries
  • Why Did He Retire?

At one point in time, he was touted to overtake Sachin Tendulkar as the highest run-scorer and century maker having scored 5000 runs at 26. Will always be remembered for the 2010-11 Ashes series down under. However, loss of form and inconsistency creeped in. Tougher playing conditions, 159 Tests in a row, and the KP saga probably got to him. Century in his first and last Tests against India showed that he still had it in him. Still the best opener in England?

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4. Sir Andrew Strauss (England)

Tests: 100 Matches, 7037 runs, 40.91 average, 177 best, 100s/50s – 21/27

ODIs: 127 Matches, 4205 runs, 35.63 average, 158 best, 100s/50s – 6/27

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: November 17, 2003 (ODI)
  • Last Match: August 15-19, 2018 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 27
  • Age Retired: 35
  • Why Did He Retire?

Due to his late debut, it was inevitable that Strauss would not have an extremely long career, but England fans learned how great Andrew Strauss was after his retirement, for both his captaincy & batting. Since the Cook-Strauss partnership ended, England could not find a stable partner for Cook (and Cook’s effectiveness also decreased). KP himself said in an interview that the text-messaging scandal on the eve of Strauss’s 100th Test was one of his biggest mistakes, which tarnished Strauss’ last match. Later became ECB’s Director of cricket and subsequently received knighthood for his service to English cricket.

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5. Kevin Pietersen (England)

Tests: 104 Matches, 8181 runs, 47.28 average, 227 best, 100s/50s – 23/35

ODIs: 136 Matches, 4440 runs, 40.73 average, 130 best, 100s/50s – 9/25

T20Is: 37 Matches, 1176 runs, 37.93 average, 141.59 SR, 79 best, 50s – 7

T20s: 200 Matches, 5695 runs, 33.89 average, 136.89 SR, 115* best, 100s/50s – 3/35

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: November 27, 2004 (ODI)
  • Last Match: January 02-04, 2014 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 24
  • Age Retired: 33
  • Why Did He Retire?

See Strauss above. Jokes aside, KP’s career had always been hampered by controversies. Although he had to leave South Africa and debuted relatively late, he quickly established himself as one of the greatest in his generation. Key contributor to the 2005 Ashes, 2012 India series, and 2010 T20 World Cup victories, he was a key component of driving English cricket forward. Although he was England’s highest scorer in the Mitchell Johnson 2015 series, he was a casualty of the 5-0 defeat. Poor relationship with Strauss & coach Andy Flower did not help as the management decided that KP’s career is over.

KP might have been controversial off the field, but there is no doubt he changed cricket for the better. Fast forward 15 years, everybody has an inner KP with the switch hits & aggressive mindset. Paved the way for English cricketers to join the IPL & other T20 leagues, thereby moving England one step closer to their eventual 2019 World Cup winning campaign.

Also Read: South African Cricketers Who Play For Other Countries: Labuschagne, Neil Wagner,…Can you Guess the Rest?

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6. Graeme Swann (England)

Tests: 60 Matches, 255 wickets, 29.96 average, 60.10 SR, best of 6/65 & 10/132, 4w/5w/10w – 14/17/3

ODIs: 79 Matches, 104 wickets, 27.76 average, 5/28 best, 4w/5w – 3/1

T20Is: 39 Matches, 51 wickets, 16.84 average, 3/13 best

T20s: 80 Matches, 98 wickets, 18.88 average, 3/13 best

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: January 22, 2000 (ODI), December 10-14, 2008 (Test)
  • Last Match: December 12-16, 2013 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 29 (Test), 20 (ODI)
  • Age Retired: 34
  • Why Did He Retire?

Statistically, Swann does not make the best bowlers of all-time list, but what he did in his 5-year Test career was continued the art of off-spin. After T20 cricket & ODI Powerplay rule changes, leg spinners flourished in the 2010s. Except for Daniel Vettori, finger spin was a dying art. Swann took off-spin forward and became a cog of the famed 2010-11 English lineup. Late Test debut, an elbow injury, and Johnson 2013 ensured that he retired mid-series (after the 3rd Test).

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7. Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan)

Tests: 35 Matches, 178 wickets, 28.10 average, 65.10 SR, best of 7/75 & 11/111, 4w/5w/10w – 9/10/4

ODIs: 113 Matches, 184 wickets, 22.72 average, 5/24 best, 4w/5w – 6/2

T20Is: 64 Matches, 85 wickets, 17.83 average, 4/19 best

T20s: 195 Matches, 271 wickets, 17.36 average, 4/14 best

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: July 1, 2008 (ODI)
  • Last Match: April 23, 2015 (T20I)
  • Age Debuted: 31
  • Age Retired: 37
  • Why Did He Retire?

Another one who debuted late, but made an immediate impact. From the cricketers who retired too early, Saeed Ajmal’s ending was probably the saddest. During Pakistan’s toughest days, Saeed Ajmal & Umar Gul took Pakistan to great heights, especially in T20 cricket. However it was his action that was his downfall. Unlike Mohammad Hafeez & Sunil Narine, Ajmal’s remodeled action was not effective enough without the doosra. Will definitely go down as a Pakistani great.

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8. Morne Morkel (South Africa)

Tests: 86 Matches, 309 wickets, 27.66 average, 53.30 SR, best of 6/23 & 9/110, 4w/5w – 18/8

ODIs: 117 Matches, 188 wickets, 25.32 average, 5/21 best, 4w/5w – 7/2

T20Is: 44 Matches, 47 wickets, 25.34 average, 4/17 best

T20s: 190 Matches, 207 wickets, 25.29 average, 4/17 best

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: December 25-29, 2006 (Test)
  • Last Match: March 29-April 2, 2018 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 22
  • Age Retired: 33
  • Current Age: 36
    • Plays with Brisbane Heat in the BBL; Was at Surrey from 2018-2020
  • Why Did He Retire?

When Morne Morkel left international cricket after that Australia series for the Kolpak deal in England (with Surrey), it signaled the beginning of the end of the great 2008-2015 South Africa generation. From 2015-2019, each one slowly retired, and it was painful to watch South Africa collapse to new lows. What was not painful, however, was Morne Mornel’s bowling. High arm action, pace & bounce, & most importantly, consistent line & length. Dale Steyn would not have been as successful had he not had Morne on the other end as the ideal foil. Morkel, in his own right, will go down as a South African great. With 309 wickets at age 33, who knows, he could have gone past Steyn himself. Now a resident of Australia and plays in the BBL as a local cricketer.

9. Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Tests: 124 Matches, 9282 runs, 46.64 average, 311* best, 100s/50s – 28/41

ODIs: 181 Matches, 8113 runs, 49.46 average, 159 best, 100s/50s – 27/39

T20Is: 44 Matches, 1277 runs, 33.60 average, 132.05 SR, 97* best, 50s – 8

T20s: 164 Matches, 4563 runs, 30.83 average, 126.04 SR, 104*, best, 100s/50s – 2/30

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: November 27-December 1, 2004 (Test)
  • Last Match: June 27, 2019 (ODI)
  • Age Debuted: 21
  • Age Retired: 35
  • Current Age: 38
    • Plays for Surrey in County Cricket
  • Why Did He Retire?

Fastest to 10, 15, 16,17, 18, 20, 27 centuries & 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 ODI runs, he was the only contemporary of Virat Kohli who could challenge him. South Africa’s fall from grace was confirmed in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, and it was especially painful to watch Amla being hit in the head by Jofra Archer and retiring hurt. He would retire at the end of the tournament. Sublime cricketer, wonderful human being, he still architects blockathons on the County Circuit. You just help but wonder if South Africa should have persisted a year or so more for his form to come back.

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10. AB De Villiers (South Africa)

Tests: 114 Matches, 8765 runs, 50.66 average, 278* best, 100s/50s – 22/46

ODIs: 228 Matches, 9577 runs, 49.46 average, 176 best, 100s/50s – 25/53

T20Is: 78 Matches, 1672 runs, 26.12 average, 135.16 SR, 79* best, 50s – 10

T20s: 333 Matches, 9318 runs, 37.57 average, 150.46 SR, 133*, best, 100s/50s – 4/69

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: December 16-20, 2004 (Test)
  • Last Match: March 29-April 2, 2018 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 20
  • Age Retired: 34
  • Current Age: 37
    • Plays for RCB in the IPL
  • Why Did He Retire?

Will he? Won’t he? Speculation about AB De Villiers’ retirement has been as spicy as Hollywood gossip. It all began with the ghost of 2015 semi-finals loss, which he captained. He would then get the Test captaincy job, a dream for a long time. However, workload management & administrative struggles became a hassle. Picking & choosing on a series-by-series basis followed by an indefinite break was a sign of what was to come. He came back in brilliant home with Test series against India and Australia.

However a video retirement a year before the ODI World Cup took everyone by surprise. Since then, he has been in multiple conversations about coming for the 2019 ODI World Cup or 2021 T20 World Cup, but those conversations have not gone too far. He can still be seen smashing it out of the park in the IPL. He is still fit, takes mind boggling catches, and plays match changing innings even after no game practice for a year. Although ABD & Amla played 14 years, they could have been Tendulkar-esque with a career of 17-21 years in another era.

The best batter of the generation and the face of “Cricketers Who Retired Too Early.”

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11. Graeme Smith

Tests: 117 Matches, 9265 runs, 48.25 average, 277 best, 100s/50s – 27/38

ODIs: 197 Matches, 6989 runs, 37.98 average, 141 best, 100s/50s – 10/47

T20Is: 33 Matches, 982 runs, 31.67 average, 127.53 SR, 89* best, 50s – 5

T20s: 86 Matches, 2389 runs, 29.86 average, 123.08 SR, 105, best, 100s/50s – 1/11

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: March 7-11, 2002 (Test)
  • Last Match: February 27-March 4, 2014 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 21
  • Age Retired: 33
  • Why Did He Retire?

Given captaincy at a young age, Smith began the rebuilding of a squad that would take South AFrica to #1 Test rankings. One of the best openers of this era, his courage & leadership came to the fore. Batting with a broken hand to save a Test will in fans’ memories forever. Now the director of cricket for South Africa.

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Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Tests: 103 Matches, 7214 runs, 42.18 average, 333 best, 100s/50s – 15/37

ODIs: 301 Matches, 10480 runs, 37.83 average, 215 best, 100s/50s – 25/54

T20Is: 74 Matches, 1854 runs, 29.42 average, 139.18 SR, 117 best, 100s/50s – 2/14

T20s: 446 Matches, 14261 runs, 36.94 average, 145.87 SR, 175*, best, 100s/50s – 22/87

  • Debut: September 10, 1999 (ODI)
  • Last Match: August 2, 2021 (T20I)*
  • Age Debuted: 20
  • Current Age: 42
    • Plays for RCB in the IPL, SKNP in CPL, and the West Indies

*subject to change. He is selected in West Indies’ 2021 T20 World Cup squad

Surprised? Well, you should be.

Chris Gayle is the antithesis to the 2005 generated. Debuted in 1999, and he is still playing at the age of 42. 100 Test matches, a triple century, an ODI double century, 10000 ODI runs, 14000+ T20 runs (with 22 100s!), he is a legend. So how did he survive so long even though he can barely run?

The answer is enough breaks. While the 2005 generation succumbed to continuous burnout, Gayle was in-and-out of the international side, played T20 leagues around the world, and gave up first class/Test cricket in 2014 to prolong his career. A couple of World Cup wins also helps keeping the fire going.

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The Ones Who Survived

Here is an exhaustive list of players that served between 12-15+ years in international cricket. Notice that as we get further along, the list gets smaller.

Late 90s Generation: Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid (India), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka), Ricky Ponting (Australia), Jacques Kallis (South Africa), Daniel Vettori (New Zealand), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies), Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf, Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)

2000-02 Generation: Chris Gayle, Shoaib Malik (Still Playing), Brendon McCullum (NZ), Shane Watson (Australia), Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh (India), Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka), Hamilton Masakdza (Zimbabwe), Younis Khan, Misbah Ul-Haq, Shoaib Akthar (Pakistan)

2004-07 Generation: Ross Taylor (New Zealand), Brendon Taylor (Zimbabwe), Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad (England), Dale Steyn (South Africa)

The Surviving Outliers

The main point to notice here is that those who played continuous cricket from 2005-2015 retired too soon.

However, there are plenty of cricketers who did not get a chance early on or were in-and-out of their national sides, but are still available for selection today. These players include Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, and the 2004 U-19 Cricket World Cup class of Shikhar Dhawan, Fawad Alam, Mahmudullah Riyadh, Dinesh Karthik, Ambati Rayudu, Tim Paine, Moises Henriques, William Porterfield, Kevin O’Brien, Wahab Riaz, who are still playing competitively and are available for international selection.

Since they did not get a chance earlier or play for lower-ranked teams, they are making the most of it now when opportunities finally came their way.

Hunger for success have caused these batch of cricketers to elongate their careers. To prove themselves as long as they are fit. Or to be a part of that elusive World Cup winning team.

Why Did The 2005 Generation Fall So Quickly?

Transition Periods

If we analyze these 10 cricketers who retired too early a bit more closer, we notice they mostly feature from England, South Africa, or Australia.

All of these teams went through a traumatic transition period. The 2013-15 period was especially stressful for England. While Mitchell Johnson dismantled the entire 2013 Test generation, forcing retirements of Trott, Pietersen, & Swann, the sacking of Cook in ODIs before 2015 World Cup would usher a new era in English cricket.

For South Africa, Grant Elliot’s semi-final six broke the gem of that South African team. AB De Villiers, Dale Steyn, Hashim Amla, & Vernon Philander were never the same again.

Finally, although Australia did not have it that rough, they have not really gotten back to the Warne-McGrath days. The Clarke era was the short transition between the longer lasting, Ponting & Steve Smith eras.

Frequency of World Cups

Before the 2007 T20 World Cup, world championships only happened once every 4 years. A decade earlier, we only had the 2003/2007 ODI World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup, and 2002/2006 Champions Trophy.

Teams were built on the premises of four-year cycles. With England & Australia, the Test Teams were formed with the next Ashes cycle in mind. Then followed 2009 (CT), 2010 (T20 WC), 2011 (CWC), 2012 (T20 WC), 2013 (CT), 2014 (T20 WC), 2015 (CWC), 2016 (T20 WC), 2017 (CT), 2019 (CWC), 2021 (World Test Championship).

Frequent trophies meant teams did not have to carry players for 4 years. An in-form player could be drafted while seasoned cricketers could be dropped with the upcoming ICC trophy in mind. Hence teams started to experiment more and started taking bold calls.

Case and point 2013 Champions Trophy—India dropped Sehwag, promoted Rohit Sharma, and went with an in-form Dhawan (seems like a history repeat itself moment with Dhawan in the 2021 T20 WC team).

Death of the All Format Player

Everything boils down to overkill of cricket and player burnout.

These cricketers who retired too early were raised on the backs of Test & ODI cricket. Almost everyone from the 90s era played both formats if they were good enough. With the entrance of T20 cricket, cricket began to be played all year long instead of season to season.

If you add captaincy to the 3 formats, that takes pressure & mental exhaustion to another level.

Openers Struggle

This still does not explain why Cook & Amla retired. They had given up captaincy towards the end, did not play all formats, and did not have new players vying for their spots either.

The obvious answer to this is form. Both Cook & Amla suffered drastic loss of forms, but so did openers worldwide.

Cook himself concluded that batting in England became tougher towards the end of his career. We can see from the Burns-Sibley partnership that it has not gotten better any since. It was not necesesarily that they were worse players, just that the conditions had become more difficult.

Kohli Shows The Way Forward

Three format players like KP and ABD prospered for a while, but it caught up with their health & form.

A decade later, it is clear that separate teams are now being picked for the 3 vastly different formats. Mental health conversations are in place. Fitness, physiotherapy, and analytics have jumped to another level altogether. Rest & rotation have been employed by certain teams to prolong the careers of cricketers.

This means that the current generation of the Fab 5 & Buttler-Stokes-Cummins-Rabada-Starc-Hazlewood-Bumrah have a better chance for longer careers and go back to the 15-year norms of the 90s. Who knows the COVID break might even have re-energized some to extend their careers.

However balance is key. Virat Kohli has already lead the way and given up IPL/T20I captaincy to manage workload and focus on other formats. If this generation of players have to survive, they might have to give up at least one format, release captaincy pressure, take mental health and paternity breaks, and keep up their fitness.

Greatness Achieved Nevertheless

Although Amla, Smith, Sehwag, Clarke, de Villiers stopped agonizingly close without reaching the coveted 10000 run-mark, it does not take away from the genius of these men.

Numbers are not everything. Although their tenure was short, their impact was not. They changed cricket for the better, and that is all that matters.

There are some players who will always give a sense that they left too early. Fans are left asking, ‘What If they had stayed on for a couple of years?’, ‘Maybe one more World Cup?’

We should just be grateful enough we witnessed some of the greatest cricketers of all time.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 09/23/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Caribbean Premier League 2021 (CPL 2021): Everything You Need To Know Quickly—Teams, Fixtures, & Predictions

Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2021)—The party is back in town once again!

The West Indies have just finished a marathon 14 game home T20I season against South Africa, Australia, and Pakistan.

It is now time for the domestic West Indies T20 league and for fringe players to make their cases. In the first 3 days of CPL 2021, we have had so many great moments—Dre Russ’s 14-ball 50, TKR already losing a game, Faf’s comeback from concussion, Sherfane Rutherford’s magnificent form, Tims (David & Seifert) having breakout seasons, and experienced Amir-Udana-Rampaul-Tahir topping the bowling charts so far. If you haven’t been watching, this is time to switch your TVs back on, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching soon.

Here is everything you need to know about CPL 2021.

Also Read: 42 Contenders For 23-Men West Indies T20 World Cup Squad: #17-24 Will Shock You!, Nicholas Pooran, A Story of Pain, Hope, & Inspiration: The Next Big Thing of West Indies & World Cricket

Quick Summary

  • Matches: 33 (6 teams, 10 matches each, double round robin, top 4 qualify for semi-finals)
  • Teams: Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Saint Lucia Kings, Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Dates: August 26th- September 15th
  • Venues: Warner Park Sporting Complex, Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis

History

  1. Trinbago Knight Riders: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020 (Won)
  2. Barbados Royals: 2014, 2019 (Won)
  3. Jamaica Tallawahs: 2013, 2016 (Won)
  4. Guyana Amazon Warriors: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 (Runners Up)
  5. Saint Lucia Kings: 2020 (Runners Up)
  6. St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 2017 (Runners Up)

CPL 2021: Teams & Expected Playing XI

Barbados Tridents & Saint Lucia Zouks no more, we now have Barbados Royals (from Rajasthan Royals) & Saint Lucia Kings (from Punjab Kings).

The Indian Premier League is slowly taking over the world.

*Teams highlighted in their respective jersey colors

Trinbago Knight Riders

  • West Indies Internationals: Kieron Pollard (C), Darren Bravo, Lendl Simmons, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Ravi Rampaul, Jayden Seales, Akeal Hosein, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip
  • West Indies Domestic: Leonardo Julien (WK), Tion Webster
  • Foreign Recruits: Ali Khan (USA), Colin Munro, Tim Seifert (NZ), Isuru Udana (SL), Yasir Shah (Pakistan)

Coaching Staff: Imran Jan

I am looking forward to the New Zealand duo Munro & Seifert along with the fast bowling trio – experienced Rampaul, promising Seales, & energetic Ali Khan.

Trinbago Knight Riders Expected XI:

  1. Lendl Simmons, 2. Tim Seifert, 3. Colin Munro, 4. Darren Bravo, 5. Kieron Pollard, 6. Sunil Narine, 7. Denesh Ramdin, 8. Ravi Rampaul/Isuru Udana, 9. Jayden Seales, 10. Ali Khan, 11. Akeal Hosein

Barbados Royals

  • West Indies Internationals: Jason Holder (C), Johnson Charles (WK), Shai Hope (WK), Kyle Mayers, Ashley Nurse, Raymon Reifer, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.
  • West Indies Domestic: Joshua Bishop, Justin Greaves, Nyeem Young
  • Foreign Recruits: Azam Khan – WK, Mohammad Amir (Pakistan), Jake Lintott (England), Smit Patel – WK (USA/ former India), Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka), Glenn Phillips – WK (New Zealand)

Coaching Staff: Trevor Penney

I am looking forward to the foreign contingent. Jake Lintott had a successful Hundred season, Glenn Phillips & Azam Khan are power hitters, while Perera & Amir have reputation and experience on their side.

Barbados Royals Expected XI:

  1. Johnson Charles, 2. Shai Hope, 3. Glenn Phillips, 4. Kyle Mayers, 5. Azam Khan, 6. Jason Holder, 7. Thisara Perera, 8. Hayden Walsh Jr, 9. Jake Lintott, 10. Oshane Thomas, 11. Ashley Nurse

Guyana Amazon Warriors

  • West Indies Internationals: Nicholas Pooran (WK/C), Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Chandrapaul Hemraj (6 ODIs), Odean Smith (2 T20I)
  • West Indies Domestic: Anthony Bramble (WK), Gudakesh Motie, Ashmead Nedd, Nial Smith
  • Foreign Recruits: Imran Tahir (South Africa), Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan), Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan)

Coaching Staff: Rayon Griffith

I am looking forward to the dynamic between young & experience. While Pooran, Hetmyer, Shepher, & King have youth on their side, Hafeez, Malik, and Tahir are world class T20 match-winners.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Expected XI:

  1. Brandon King, 2. Chandrapaul Hemraj, 3. Mohammad Hafeez, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Nicholas Pooran, 6. Shoaib Malik, 7. Anthony Bramble, 8. Odean Smith, 9. Romario Shepherd, 10. Imran Tahir, 11. Naveen-ul-Haq/Kevin Sinclair

Saint Lucia Kings

  • West Indies Internationals: Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Andre Fletcher, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Kesrick Williams
  • West Indies Domestic: Kadeem Alleyne, Keron Cottoy, Mark Deyal, Javelle Glen, Jeavor Royal
  • Foreign Recruits: Faf du Plessis – C (South Africa), Tim David (Singapore), Samit Patel (England), Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz (Pakistan)

Coaching Staff: Andy Flower

I am looking forward to the West Indies internationals. Roston Chase, Cornwall, Kesrick Williams, Paul are not in the current T20I plan for the West Indies and Joseph, McCoy, and Paul are still on the fringes. This CPL season will show who gets in and who does not to the T20 World Cup squad. Also hope that Faf du Plessis has recovered from the concussion.

Saint Lucia Kings Expected XI:

  1. Faf du Plessis, 2. Andre Fletcher, 3. Rahkeem Cornwall, 4. Roston Chase, 5. Tim David, 6. Samit Patel, 7. Keemo Paul, 8. Kesrick Williams, 9. Usman Qadir/Wahab Riaz, 10. Obed McCoy, 11. Alzarri Joseph

St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots

  • West Indies Internationals: Dwayne Bravo (C), Fabian Allen, Sheldon Cottrell, Joshua Da Silva (WK), Rayad Emrit, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Devon Thomas
  • West Indies Domestic: Colin Archibald, Dominic Drakes, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Mikyle Louis
  • Foreign Recruits: Asif Ali (Pakistan), Ravi Bopara (England), Fawad Ahmed (Australia), Paul van Meekeren

Coaching Staff: Simon Helmot

I am looking forward to Evin Lewis & Fabian Allen. They have been the two standout performers in the last three home T20I series. Can they continue their good form?

St. Kitts & Patriots Expected XI:

  1. Devon Thomas, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Sherfane Rutherford, 5. Ravi Bopara, 6. Asif Ali, 7. Joshua Da Silva, 8. Dwayne Bravo, 9. Fabian Allen, 10. Fawad Ahmed, 11. Sheldon Cottrell

Jamaica Tallawahs

  • West Indies Internationals: Rovman Powell (C), Carlos Brathwaite, Andre Russell, Shamarh Brooks, Fidel Edwards, Jason Mohmammed, Veerasammy Permaul, Chadwick Walton (WK)
  • West Indies Domestic: Joshua James, Kennar Lewis, Abhijai Mansingh, Kirk McKenzie, Imran Khan
  • Foreign Recruits: Haider Ali (Pakistan), Ryan Persaud (USA), Migael Pretorius (South Africa), Qais Ahmad (Afghanistan)

Coaching Staff: Floyd Reifer

I am looking forward to the star-studded lower middle order—Powell, Brathwaite, and Russell. 255/5 in their opening game already shows the potential of this team.

Jamaica Tallawahs Expected XI:

  1. Chadwick Walton (WK), 2. Kennar Lewis, 3. Haider Ali, 4. Shamarh Brooks, 5. Rovmann Powell, 6. Andre russell, 7. Carlos Brathwaite, 8. Chris Green, 9. Veerasammy Permaul, 10. Fidel Edwards, 11. Qais Ahmed

Key Match Ups To Watch Out For

  1. Huge CPL season ahead for Andre Fletcher – The Spice Man came back to the West Indies T20I side on a back of a good BBL and Big Bash tournament. However, his form in the international arena dropped off. Johnson Charles & Brandon King are contenders for the reserve opener spot if Fletcher does not have a good show here.
  2. Warriors show glimpse of West Indies’ future – Brandon King, Pooran, Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair may form the core of a future West Indies team without Gayle, Pollard, or Bravo.
  3. Can Trinbago Knight Riders do it again? Last season TKR won 12 games on a trot to dominate CPL 2020. With a similar composition of their squad, can they make it 5 trophies?

Caribbean Premier League 2021 Predictions

Finally here are my predictions.

My prediction for the team to lift the CPL 2021 trophy is….Jamaica Tallawahs with the Top 4 of Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, and Trinbago Knight Riders.

  • Most Runs: Evin Lewis
  • Most Wickets: Obed McCoy
  • Emerging Player: Rohail Nazir
  • Surprise Package: Tim David/Jake Lintott
  • Broken Cricket Dream: Final CPL edition for Shoaib Malik?

Here were my Caribbean Premier League – CPL 2021 Predictions. What did you think? What are YOUR predictions? Comment Below!

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 08/30/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

42 Contenders For 23-Men West Indies ICC 2022 T20 World Cup Squad: #17-24 Will Shock You! Can You Guess Who Makes It?

Time for the West Indies T20 World Cup Squad, a team everyone has a time for. Last week, we analyzed 2016 World T20 finalists, England & their potential 44 players vying for the 23-men T20 World Cup squad. Today we look at their counterparts at the final who lifted the trophy.

In the last two decades, there was an impression that West Indies cricket was dying. Reminiscing at the 1908s generation was fans’ favorite pastime. Well, guess what?

I believe the 2000s T20 generation will be looked just as fondly as the 2-time 50 over winning generation or even more if they complete their hat-trick of T20 World Cup victories this time around (2012, 2016, 2021?)

Table of Contents

  1. Recent Series Results
  2. West Indies T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis
  3. Legend
    1. Current Status
    2. Verdict
  4. Openers
  5. Middle Order
  6. Spinning All-Rounders
  7. Finishers/Medium Pace All-Rounders
  8. Fast Bowlers
  9. Spinners
  10. Notable Exclusions
  11. West Indies T20 World Cup Squad

Recent Series Results

West Indies have regrouped their world cup squad with 17 games in the last couple of months. Here are the results as well as the most run-scorer/wicket-taker for West Indies in each of the series.

  • Sri Lanka tour of West Indies: West Indies won 2-1
    • Lendl Simmons (73 runs, best of 26, 140.38 SR)
    • Obed McCoy (4 wickets, best of 2/25 7.33 Economy)
  • South Africa tour of West Indies: SA won 3-2
    • Evin Lewis (131 runs, 2-50s, best of 71, 160.36 SR)
    • Dwayne Bravo (10 wickets, best of 4/19, 6.89 Economy)
  • Australia tour of West Indies: West Indies won 4-1
    • Lendl Simmons (165 runs, best of 72, 122.22 SR)
    • Hayden Walsh Jr. (12 wickets, best of 3/23, 7.00 Economy)
  • Pakistan tour of West Indies: Pakistan won 1-0 (3 No-Results)
    • Nicholas Pooran – 62* (33)
    • Jason Holder 4-0-26-2

In the last few weeks, almost all of their key players have had one match-winning performance:

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis

In order to pick the destructive West IndiesT20 World Cup Squad, we specifically pay attention to the Average + Strike Rate score for the batters along with the Economy Rate for the bowlers. A Lendl Simmons (high average, decent strike rate) is just as important as an Andre Russell (decent average, high strike rate) to this squad.

Legend

Current Status

  • Incumbent: Currently in West Indies’ T20I XI
  • Reserve: May have played for West Indies in the last two years but does not make their first XI
  • Out of Squad: Might have represented West Indies earlier or about to breakthrough, but have not been in the West Indies squad in the last couple of T20I series.

Verdict

🟩 Plays the first match in the T20 World Cup (17 October-14 November)

🟨 Boards the plane to UAE but might not get a look-into the XI

🟧 Wildcard Entry: Not in the current scheme of things but a good performance in the CPL (26 August-15 September) or IPL (19 September-15 October), and they might be back in the conversation.

🟥 Most likely not going to make it, but in COVID-19 World, anything is possible. They are next in the pecking order in case something out of the blue happens.

Over the past year, at the end of every series, we did a “World T20 World Cup Watch,” where a 23-men squad was chosen after latest performance. You can check them below.

World T20 Watch: West Indies Vs South Africa 2021, West Indies Vs Sri Lanka 2021, West Indies Vs Bangladesh 2021 Series Review: Young West Indies Rises Again In the East, New Zealand Vs West Indies 2020

Here is the pecking order now. The Predicted XI & 23-men squad at the bottom!

Openers

1. Evin Lewis 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 45, Runs: 1318, 100/50: 2/9, Best: 125*, AVE+SR: 180.17, Average: 32.14, SR: 158.03
  • T20s: 171, Runs: 4836, 100/50: 4/33, Best: 125*, AVE+SR: 174.64, Average: 30.80, SR: 143.84
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 30, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • Fortune Favors the Fit—If fit, Evin Lewis is one of the most destructive when on fire. Saves his best for international T20I.

2. Lendl Simmons 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Keeper/Vice-Captain
  • T20Is: 66, Runs: 1508, 100/50: 0/9, Best: 91*, AVE+SR: 150.81, Average: 27.41, SR: 123.40
  • T20s: 272, Runs: 7329, 100/50: 1/58, Best: 100*, AVE+SR: 150.22, Average: 30.53, SR: 119.69
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 27, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • It seems that Simmons makes the West Indies squad in the World Cup year and disappears for the 3-4 years in the middle. The real question is—does Simmons get the opening or #4 spot?

3. Andre Fletcher 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 54, Runs: 950, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 84*, AVE+SR: 132.48, Average: 21.11, SR: 111.37
  • T20s: 218, Runs: 5224, 100/50: 1/26, Best: 103*, AVE+SR: 144.04, Average: 26.78, SR: 117.26
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • The Spiceman Andre Fletcher received the well-deserved call-up to the Windies side on the back of his T20 league exploits. However, he has looked out of touch in the last three series (poor run – 9, 4, 6, 12, 0, 14*, 17*). The 17* with 2 sixes in the first over in the rain truncated game against Pakistan might have just saved his spot

4. Brandon King 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 11, Runs: 153, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 43, AVE+SR: 149.51, Average: 15.30, SR: 134.21
  • T20s: 55, Runs: 1101, 100/50: 1/5, Best: 132*, AVE+SR: 157.61, Average: 25.60, SR: 132.01
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: November 29, 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • King rose to a West Indies cap on the back of a brilliant run in the 2019 CPL (most runs scored – 496 runs), helping Guyana qualify for the final. However, he has yet to light international cricket on fire.

5. Johnson Charles 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 34, Runs: 724, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 84, AVE+SR: 149.51, Average: 21.93, SR: 121.68
  • T20s: 187, Runs: 4491, 100/50: 1/27, Best: 105*, AVE+SR: 157.61, Average: 25.08, SR: 128.46
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: September 26, 2016
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • Provided the starts for WI in the 2016 T20 World Cup, but has been out of the international arena since. 3rd highest run-scorer in CPL 2019 after Brandon King & Lendl Simmons, he is also third in the running for the reserve opener after King & Simmons.

6. Shai Hope 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 13, Runs: 238, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 55, AVE+SR: 157.63, Average: 21.63, SR: 136.00
  • T20s: 40, Runs: 772, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 88, AVE+SR: 141.50, Average: 21.44, SR: 120.06
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: November 16, 2019 (ODI: July 25, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • Sweet timer of the ball. West Indies’ most consistent ODI batter. Inconsistent Test batter. Not the best T20 player, but an outside chance nevertheless.

7. Chadwick Walton 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Wicketkeeper
  • T20Is: 19, Runs: 225, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 40, AVE+SR: 124.06, Average: 13.23, SR: 110.83
  • T20s: 170, Runs: 3200, 100/50: 0/13, Best: 99*, AVE+SR: 146.05, Average: 22.22, SR: 123.83
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 4, 2018
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Performs around the world in the PSL & CPL, he is still just in the conversation. Wicketkeeper role might give him a boost, but unlikely since Pooran & Simmons can keep wickets.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Openers

  • Makes Team: Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Andre Fletcher, Brandon King
  • Out of Team: Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Chadwick Walton

Middle Order

8. Chris Gayle 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Occasional off-spin
  • T20Is: 74, Runs: 1854, 100/50: 2/14, Best: 117, AVE+SR: 168.60, Average: 29.42, SR: 139.18, Wickets: 19, Best: 2/15, Economy: 6.92
  • T20s: 437, Runs: 14096, 100/50: 22/83, Best: 175*, AVE+SR: 183.48, Average: 37.38, SR: 146.10, Wickets: 82, Best: 4/22, Economy: 7.59
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • 4 decades, 2 World Cups, 42 international hundreds, 22 T20 tons, best of 117 175*, 215, 333 across formats, 14000 T20 runs. The Boss. Universe Boss. Doubt him at your own peril. In his own words, “Soon to 42. You guys should be happy to see Chris Gayle still on the field. Just respect the Universe Boss and let him have some fun.”

9. Shimron Hetmyer 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 37, Runs: 539, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 61, AVE+SR: 136.87, Average: 19.96, SR: 116.91
  • T20s: 98, Runs: 1836, 100/50: 1/10, Best: 100, AVE+SR: 156.10, Average: 25.15, SR: 130.95
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Delhi Capitals
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Only 24, he already has 5 ODI centuries. No doubt on his talent & flair, consistency & game situation has room to improve. Flexible floater, will be interesting what spot he will bat on.

10. Nicholas Pooran 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Vice Captain/Wicketkeeper
  • T20Is: 41, Runs: 634, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 62*, AVE+SR: 146.81, Average: 22.64, SR: 124.07
  • T20s: 185, Runs: 3415, 100/50: 1/17, Best: 100*, AVE+SR: 166.80, Average: 24.39, SR: 142.41
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Since his coming of age in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Pooran has underwhelmed Since IPL 2021, he has endured several run-outs, ducks of all kind, and has been unable to finish matches. Pollard & team management back their vice-captain, and he is just beginning to come back to form. Hope he is peaking at the right time. Should definitely make the XI on pedigree. You can read his inspirational story of pain & hope here.

11. Darren Bravo 🟥

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 21, Runs: 345, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 43*, AVE+SR: 125.64, Average: 19.16, SR: 106.48
  • T20s: 152, Runs: 3218, 100/50: 0/19, Best: 94*, AVE+SR: 149.96, Average: 32.18, SR: 117.78
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Replicating Brian Lara’s technique, unfortunately Darren Bravo has not been able to replicate his international career, apart from a few important overseas centuries. Much improved T20 player, where does he bat with Gayle at #3? He batted at #8 in his last WI outing…

12. Sherfane Rutherford 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 6, Runs: 43, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 26, AVE+SR: 84.42, Average: 23.14, SR: 61.28
  • T20s: 61, Runs: 901, 100/50: 0/12, Best: 60, AVE+SR: 161.13, Average: 22.52, SR: 138.61
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: January 18, 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • Seen around the world in the PSL, BBL, PSL, and IPL, he is a hot commodity in the T20 circuit. Gun fielder as well, does he make the 23-squad as an X-factor?

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Middle Order

  • Makes Team: Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran
  • Out of Team: Darren Bravo, Sherfane Rutherford

Spinning All-Rounders

It was clearly evident with the #4 experiment involving Simmons, Holder, & Fletcher, West Indies are trying to find a Marlon Samuels-esque insurance policy, especially a right handed middle order (to separate Lewis, Gayle, Pooran, Hetmyer) who is a part-time spinner (for UAE conditions).

The weakest area for the West Indies, most of these players below are highly unlikely to make the World Cup squad.

13. Sunil Narine 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Pinch Hitter
  • T20Is: 51, Runs: 155, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 30, AVE+SR: 122.64, Average: 10.33, SR: 112.31, Wickets: 52, Best: 4/12, Economy: 6.01
  • T20s: 212, Runs: 2559, 100/50: 0/9, Best: 79, AVE+SR: 161.18, Average: 14.87, SR: 146.31, Wickets: 396, Best: 5/19, Economy: 6.08
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 5, 2019
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes., IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • He is welcome to the West Indies team if he chooses to/when he regains confidence. His international career has been thwarted by suspect action, but his T20 career has revived due to batting abilities. Great against spin, poor against pace, he has been found out at the IPL. One final flourish? Surely he makes the 23?

14. Jason Mohammed 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Off Spinner
  • T20Is: 9, Runs: 90, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 23*, AVE+SR: 105.37, Average: 18.00, SR: 87.37
  • T20s: 90, Runs: 1231, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 66, AVE+SR: 124.02, Average: 22.79, SR: 101.23, Wickets: 5, Best: 2/6, Economy: 7.06
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: April 2, 2018 (ODI: July 23, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Mohammed’s career is quite interesting. Debuting in 2011, he has only played 35 ODIs and 9 T20Is. Yet his performances in Regional Super50 competition merited his comeback to the extent that he even captained the West Indies as late as December 2020 in the ODI series against Bangladesh. Senior player, off-spinner – looks like Samuels on paper, but not enough international performances.

15. Roston Chase 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Off Spinner/ Top Order Stabilizer
  • T20s: 16, Runs: 302, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 66, AVE+SR: 150.01, Average: 37.75, SR: 112.26, Wickets: 9, Best: 3/12, Economy: 5.48
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Yet to Play (Test: June 20, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • Senior play in Tests and until recently in Jason Holder’s ‘engine room,’ Chase’s form has dropped off since the COVID break. However, he has started to play T20s and will play in the CPL. In UAE conditions, a mature batter & off-spinner like him might be an interesting choice.

16. Rakheem Cornwall 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Off Spinner/Lower Order Hitter
  • T20s: 51, Runs: 776, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 78*, AVE+SR: 168.15, Average: 18.92, SR: 149.23, Wickets: 24, Best: 3/10, Economy: 7.67
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Yet to Play (Test: June 11, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • A fan favorite, excellent slip fielder, effective off-spinner, and a counterattacking batter, Cornwall has solidified his spot in Tests. Can he perform in the CPL for a late run to the World Cup spot?

17. Fabian Allen 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Left arm spinner/Finisher
  • T20Is: 28, Runs: 250, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 34, AVE+SR: 156.73, Average: 17.85, SR: 138.88, Wickets: 20, Best: 2/18, Economy: 7.21
  • T20s: 49, Runs: 596, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 64*, AVE+SR: 178.53, Average: 22.92, SR: 155.61, Wickets: 29, Best: 2/18, Economy: 7.67
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • 29 (14), 8*(8), 19* (13), 14* (9), 34* (12), 21* (6). Fabian Allen has been a revelation as a finisher in the last four series starting from the 3 consecutive sixes against Sri Lanka. Left arm off spinner, West Indies’ best fielder (sorry Hayden), and wonderful celebration, Allen makes it to the XI without a doubt.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Spinning All-Rounders

  • Makes Team: Fabian Allen, Sunil Narine, 1 out of Jason Mohammed, Rakheem Cornwall, Roston Chase
  • Out of Team: 2 out of Jason Mohammed, Rakheem Cornwall, Roston Chase

Finishers/Medium Pace All-Rounders

Teams are lucky to have one legend. Apart from Gayle, this section gives 3-4 more legends to the West Indies. Luxury of riches in the fast bowling all-rounder department.

18. Kieron Pollard 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Captain/Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 88, Runs: 1378, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 75*, AVE+SR: 162.53, Average: 24.60, SR: 137.93, Wickets: 38, Best: 4/25, Economy: 8.42
  • T20s: 550, Runs: 10898, 100/50: 1/54, Best: 104, AVE+SR: 178.53, Average: 31.68, SR: 152.84, Wickets: 297, Best: 4/15, Economy: 8.20
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Mumbai Indians
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Since his captaincy stint, Pollard has entered his best phase. Taking TKR to an undefeated run to victory in the CPL, he is now a lot more mature in reading the game situation, a characteristic most other WI batters lack. He can hit it out of the ground or soak in the pressure when needed. Brilliant fielder and has the partnership breaking golden arm as well.

19. Jason Holder 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Opening Medium Fast Bowler
  • T20Is: 27, Runs: 201, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 29*, AVE+SR: 134.29, Average: 16.75, SR: 117.54, Wickets: 22, Best: 4/26, Economy: 8.08
  • T20s: 137, Runs: 1171, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 69, AVE+SR: 143.65, Average: 15.82, SR: 127.83, Wickets: 119, Best: 4/26, Economy: 7.70
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • From restarting Test cricket in England post COVID break with a magnificent chase to losing his Test captaincy, he has seen all the ups and downs in the last two years. A couple of knocks under pressure in IPL 2020, and he found his way back to the T20I side. Blocking Hasaranga in the penultimate over to save Allen was one of his recent highlights although the #4 experiment has failed. Has also had a few good bowling spells. Should make the 23-men squad, but does he make your XI?

20. Andre Russell 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Fast Death Bowler
  • T20Is: 62, Runs: 1034, 100/50: 0/1, Best: 51, AVE+SR: 177.38, Average: 21.05, SR: 156.33, Wickets: 36, Best: 3/43, Economy: 9.18
  • T20s: 369, Runs: 6225, 100/50: 2/24, Best: 121*, AVE+SR: 196.37, Average: 26.71, SR: 169.66, Wickets: 325, Best: 5/15, Economy: 8.38
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • The highest AVE+SR for any WI batter, he will be disappointed with his low average & 50+ scores in T20I. The most destructive finisher & one of the longest hitter of the ball, he makes it to the XI. Death bowling skills is a definite plus. Needs to learn to trust batting partners in the final over and take singles/doubles.

21. Dwayne Bravo 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Death Bowler/Slower Delivery Specialist
  • T20Is: 86, Runs: 1229, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 66*, AVE+SR: 138.79, Average: 23.18, SR: 115.61, Wickets: 76, Best: 4/19, Economy: 8.08
  • T20s: 490, Runs: 6429, 100/50: 0/20, Best: 70*, AVE+SR: 150.57, Average: 23.72, SR: 126.85, Wickets: 532, Best: 5/23, Economy: 8.19
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • 133 T20 wickets more than the next in the list, Imran Tahir, Bravo has conquered all the leagues around the world. Retiring and coming back, it seems that he has finally played his final T20I game at home. Still going strong with a career-best 4/19 against South Africa along with a 47* (34) at #5 against Australia. One final stretch for the great man.

22. Carlos Brathwaite 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 41, Runs: 310, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 37*, AVE+SR: 127.89, Average: 14.76, SR: 113.13, Wickets: 31, Best: 3/20, Economy: 8.57
  • T20s: 210, Runs: 1923, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 64*, AVE+SR: 152.17, Average: 15.89, SR: 136.28, Wickets: 195, Best: 4/15, Economy: 8.14
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 13, 2019
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Apart from “Remember the Name” & “Dream is Diminished,” not much of note in between for Carlos. Still possesses the X-factor and is playing in leagues like the Hundred. Since there are plenty of allrounders, the real question is, “Do the selectors remember his name?”

23. Rovman Powell 🟧

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  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 30, Runs: 344, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 54, AVE+SR: 138.80, Average: 18.10, SR: 120.70, Wickets: 4, Best: 2/31, Economy: 8.76
  • T20s: 88, Runs: 1319, 100/50: 0/5, Best: 84, AVE+SR: 150.16, Average: 21.98, SR: 128.18, Wickets: 16, Best: 2/21, Economy: 10.25
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: March 6, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Known for his massive six hitting ability, Powell has been on the West Indies radar for a while, even scoring an ODI 100. He is one of the players on the fringes and this CPL will be an outright audition for him.

24. Keemo Paul 🟧

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  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 20, Runs: 168, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 54, AVE+SR: 138.80, Average: 21.00, SR: 117.48, Wickets: 24, Best: 5/15, Economy: 8.93
  • T20s: 64, Runs: 397, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 38, AVE+SR: 123.46, Average: 14.70, SR: 108.76, Wickets: 61, Best: 5/15, Economy: 8.84
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: March 6, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • Skiddy bowler and useful hitter down the order, he is one of West Indies’ brightest prospects. From the 2016 U-19 World Cup fame, he rose through the ranks, even receiving the 2019 T20 Player of the Year for the West Indies. Can the 23-year old make the squad or is it too soon?

25. Kyle Mayers 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Right arm Medium
  • T20Is: 2, Runs: 25, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 20, AVE+SR: 163.88, Average: 25.00, SR: 138.88
  • T20s: 63, Runs: 715, 100/50: 0/1, Best: 85, AVE+SR: 158.99, Average: 16.62, SR: 111.19, Wickets:16, Best: 2/14, Economy: 7.79
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: November 29, 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • A left field choice. From the da Silva-Bonner-Mayers Bangladesh fame, Mayers’ career has only gone up. 210* on debut second innings chase, he has also forced his way to the second string ODI squad. A good show with the ball in the Test against South Africa, and now you have a good all-round package. Will probably not make this squad but good to have him as cover.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Medium Pace All-Rounders/Finishers

  • Makes Team: Kieron Pollard, Jason Holder, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Rovman Powell, Keemo Paul
  • Out of Team: Carlos Brathwaite, Kyle Mayers

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Fast Bowlers

26. Obed McCoy 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 12, Wickets: 19, Best: 4/22, Economy: 7.70
  • T20s: 31, Wickets: 39, Best: 4/22, Economy: 8.08
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 11, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • Find for the West Indies in the last couple of months. His slower deliveries are well disguised and can bowl at any point of the innings. Should not only make the 23, but also the XI.

27. Sheldon Cottrell 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 34, Wickets: 42, Best: 4/28, Economy: 7.85
  • T20s: 108, Wickets: 140, Best: 4/20, Economy: 7.57
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • McCoy has overtaken him in the pecking order, but still remains effective. Salute celebration, good fielding abilities, he should make it in the squad. Was on the receiving end of Tewatia’s special in IPL 2020 at UAE.

28. Fidel Edwards 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 26, Wickets: 20, Best: 3/23, Economy: 8.24
  • T20s: 115, Wickets: 109, Best: 5/22, Economy: 7.74
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 9, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Remarkable comeback story. Debuting back in 2003, he left to England around 2012 after 165 Test wickets & 60 ODI wickets, employing his trade for Hampshire. Now back to the T20I side as a 39-year-old, he hasn’t been at his best. However, a slingy fast bowler is never a bad thing as long as he is fit.

29. Alzarri Joseph 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 26, Wickets: 27, Best: 6/12, Economy: 9.40
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Have not Played Yet (ODI: July 25, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • One of the breakthrough stars of the 2016 U-19 World Cup, he was soon fast tracked to the Test & ODI arena. Although he has yet to debut in T20Is, his 6/12 remains the best figures for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Has also shown maturity with the bat with 86 (Test) & 29* (ODI) recently. He has the potential, but might be a toss off between him and Oshane Thomas.

30. Oshane Thomas 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 17, Wickets: 19, Best: 5/28, Economy: 9.16
  • T20s: 44, Wickets: 57, Best: 5/28, Economy: 9.32
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • West Indies’ 2019 Emerging Player of the Year, 6 foot 6, throwback to the old West Indian fast bowlers. Can be the enforcer in the middle overs. Needs to keep his economy in check though.

31. Kesrick Williams 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 26, Wickets: 41, Best: 4/28, Economy: 8.76
  • T20s: 100, Wickets: 129, Best: 4/11, Economy: 8.70
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Have not Played Yet (ODI: July 25, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • One of the most known celebrations in the game due to his notebook checklist, he has been in and out of the national side. Skiddy bowler, could be a handful in UAE conditions if selected.

32. Romario Shepherd 🟧

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 6, Wickets: 2, Best: 1/37, Economy: 10.27
  • T20s: 27, Wickets: 25, Best: 4/13, Economy: 8.42
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Hasn’t been among the wickets recently (0/38, 0/37, 0/30) but is on the fringes. Selectors have him in mind so far, but CPL will define if he makes it to the UAE.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Fast Bowlers

  • Makes Team: Obed McCoy, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Oshane Thomas
  • Out of Team: Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kesrick Williams

Spinners

33. Hayden Walsh Jr. 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20s: 26, Wickets: 23, Best: 3/23, Economy: 7.59
  • T20s: 47, Wickets: 52, Best: 5/19, Economy: 7.85
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • Ex-USA international (born in U.S. Virgin Islands) with Antiguan father & uncle, who both competed at the first class level. In-and-out recently, his Player of the Series performance against Australia should safely put him in the West Indies T20 World Cup squad.

34. Akeal Hosein 🟨

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20s: 6, Wickets: 0, Economy: 9.75
  • T20s: 46, Wickets: 23, Best: 3/14, Economy: 6.87
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight riders
  • 0 wickets in 6 T20I games is a concern, but he has impressed in spells. With a left-arm spinner already with Fabian Allen, it is unlikely he will get many games unless it is a ranker turner.

35. Kevin Sinclair 🟨

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 6, Wickets: 4, Best: 2/23, Economy: 8.33
  • T20s: 11, Wickets: 9, Best: 2/13, Economy: 6.59
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: June 28, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Will be a direct competition between Kevin Sinclair, Khary Pierre, and Akeal Hosein for the second spinner with Walsh Jr. CPL is of high importance for the three of them.

36. Khary Pierre 🟧

  • Current Status: Out of Squad Other Roles: Can bat a bit
  • T20s: 10, Wickets: 7, Best: 2/44, Economy: 9.60
  • T20s: 45, Wickets: 41, Best: 3/18, Economy: 7.31
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: January 17 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Currently out of the reckoning for a year and a half, but anything is possible with two months to go. Spin is not West Indies’ core strength, so they might take backup.
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West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Spinners

  • Makes Team: Hayden Walsh Jr., Akeal Hosein, Kevin Sinclair
  • Out of Team: Khary Pierre

Notable Exclusions

37-42. Ashley Nurse, Joshua de Silva, Chemar Holder, Jayden Seales, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad

Here is the moment of truth. Based on our player-by-player analysis above, here is Broken Cricket Dreams’ Predicted XI and West Indies T20 World Cup squad.

West Indies now have a good mix of youth & experience. Along with the legends (Gayle, Pollard, Russell, Bravo), there is the next batch of players (Lewis, Pooran, Allen) and the 2016 U-19 World Cup generation (Hetmyer, Joseph, McCoy, Paul).

  1. Evin Lewis
  2. Lendl Simmons
  3. Chris Gayle
  4. Shimron Hetmyer
  5. Nicholas Pooran (WK)
  6. Kieron Pollard (C)
  7. Andre Russell
  8. Fabian Allen
  9. Dwayne Bravo
  10. Hayden Walsh Jr.
  11. Obed McCoy

Squad: 12. Jason Holder, 13. Sunil Narine*, 14. Andre Fletcher, 15. Fidel Edwards, 16. Sheldon Cottrell, 17. Akeal Hosein, 18. Kevin Sinclair, 19. Oshane Thomas, 20. Rovman Powell/Keemo Paul, 21. Alzarri Joseph/Romario Shepherd, 22. Roston Chase/Darren Bravo, 23. Brandon King/Sherfane Rutherford

*if fit and eligible to play

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West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Review: Questions for the Windies as Shamsi, QDK topple the World Champions

West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Series Review – An enthralling encounter to follow from any neutral fans’ perspective.

Once boasting the greatest generations in cricket history, West Indies & South Africa are now mediocre at best. Yet both teams are showing signs of improvement.

Coming back into form, seniors like Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada stood up in this series, Nortje-van Der Dussen continued to chug along smoothly, and Tabraiz Shamsi-George Linde-Keshav Maharaj spun West Indies into trouble. For the West Indies, Kemar Roach, 19-year old debutant Jayden Seales, and Kyle Mayers, the bowler, were the only positives in the Test series but the World Cup winning squad (bar Sunil Narine) regrouped for this T20I series.

South Africa swept the Tests 2-0 along with a thrilling 3-2 T20I series victory over the mighty West Indies. Were the Proteas really as good as the score line suggests? Not really. Were West Indies really that bad? Not at all.

Positives for both teams, but room for improvement for both as well. Detailed analysis ahead.

Also Read: West Indies Vs Sri Lanka 2021 Series Review, Pakistan Tour of South Africa & Zimbabwe 2021 Series Review

West Indies Vs South Africa At A Glance

Here is a summary of the highest scorers and run-getters from both teams in the Tests and T20I series respectively.

South Africa Tour of West Indies – Results Stats, & Highlights

WI-SA Test Series: SA won 2-0

Why was this even a part of the World Test Championship? Yes, the second Test, part of the WTC group stage, was scheduled at the same time as the World Test Championship Final. Explain that.

WTC apart, this was a one-sided series dominated by the fast bowlers. Rabada, Roach, Maharaj, Ngidi, Nortje, Jason Holder, Jayden Seales, and even Kyle Mayers were among the wickets. Except for Quinton de Kock & Rassie van der Dussen (and Dean Elgar/Aiden Markram with 1-50 each), no batter could hold a bat. Scores of 97, 162, 149, 165 (WI) and 322, 298, & 174 (SA) tells you the story.

  1. South Africa won by an innings and 63 runs*Quinton de Kock
  2. South Africa won by 158 runs*Kagiso Rabada
Player of the SeriesWest IndiesSouth Africa
Quinton de Kock
Most RunsJermaine Blackwood – 88 runs
(Best of 49, 22.00 average, 1-50)
Quinton de Kock – 237 runs
(Best of 141*, 118.50 average, 1-100, 1-50)
Most WicketsKemar Roach – 9 wickets
(Best inning – 4/52, Best Match – 7/97, 17.88 average)
Kagiso Rabada – 11 wickets
(Best inning – 5/11, Best Match – 6/48, 11.45 average)
West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 T20I Series Stats

WI-SA T20I Series: SA won 3-2

160, 166, 166, 167, 168. Consistency of the ages.

Quinton de Kock’s majestic run, Lewis’ power, Anrich Nortje’s 19th over in the 3rd T20I, Russell’s first ball six to Rabada, Fabian Allen destroying Ngidi’s figures, Pollard’s 4 sixes in one over, Gayle taking a quick single/opening the bowling/attempting a somersault, Markram’s shots, and the Shamsi-Linde spinning South Africa to victory—this series had it all.

  1. West Indies won by 8 wickets*Evin Lewis
  2. South Africa won by 16 runs*George Linde
  3. South Africa won by 1 run*Tabraiz Shamsi
  4. West Indies won by 21 runs*Kieron Pollard
  5. South Africa won by 25 runs*Aiden Markram
Player of the SeriesWest IndiesSouth Africa
Tabraiz Shamsi
Most RunsEvin Lewis – 178 runs
(Best of 71, 35.60 average, 2-50s, 160.36 SR)
Quinton de Kock – 255 runs
(Best of 72, 51.00 average , 3-50s, 141.66 SR)
Most WicketsDwayne Bravo – 10 wickets
(Best of 4/19, 13.10 average, 6.89 economy)
Tabraiz Shamsi – 7 wickets
(Best of 2/13, 11.42 average, 4.00 economy)
West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Test Series Stats

Highlights

West Indies

In the year of the T20 World Cup, Simmons-Gayle-Pollard-Bravo-Russell are back. Although performances were spotty, the team spirit was right up there.

Positives

  • Fabian Allen & Evin Lewis were the stars for West Indies in the T20I series. 2/18, 34 (12), 14* (9), and 19* (13) were cameos that kept West Indies alive even after the top 6/7 had departed. This is just the youth firepower West Indies needs. Great fielder and spinner as well. Fabian Allen – the complete package.
  • Evin Lewis’ destructive 71 (35) in the first T20I and Pollard’s 51* (25) showcased the potential for this West Indian line-up. If one player fires, another holds the other end, with a Fabian Allen/Russell-esque finish, then this side can be very dangerous. Otherwise, they can easily fall apart.
  • Combination of youth and old guard the key to West Indies’ bowling success. Obed McCoy & Jayden Seales were the find for the Windies in this series and with Oshane Thomas, Alzarri Joseph, & Chamar Holder in the ranks, they have a good fast-bowling generation coming up. Hence, it was nice that Dwayne Bravo came back from his retirement to give his best T20I performance (4/19) in the 4th ODI. 37-years, 482 T20s, and 527 T20 wickets young. Marvelous. Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards & even a bit of Russell really puts this West Indian attack back on the map.

Room For Improvement

  • Pooran’s form a bit of a concern. In the last 10 T20 innings read: 0, 0, 9, 0, 19, 0 (IPL 2021) & 9, 26, 16, 20 (WI vs SA). While double digits is a vast improvement from his IPL form this year, his lack of rotation in the middle and inability to finish games off will trigger a debate on his place in the XI. An in-form Andre Fletcher with the gloves is breathing down his neck.
  • West Indies utilized these 5 games and experimented with the batting order (although slightly unsuccessfully). At #3-4, West Indies played Gayle-Russell, Gayle-Pooran, Holder-Hetmyer, and Gayle-Hetmyer (twice). It seems that Russell and Pollard are the designated floaters if the top order bat long and Holder-Pooran are in-charge in case of a collapse. Good idea. Needs consistency.

Also Read: Nicholas Pooran, A Story of Pain, Hope, & Inspiration: The Next Big Thing of West Indies & World Cricket

South Africa

Positives

  • The left-arm spinners stole the show for South Africa. Tabraiz Shamsi is justifiably ICC’s #1 T20I bowler in the world. 1-11, 2-13, 2-13, 1-16, 1-27. An economy of 4 against a lineup of Lewis-Gayle-Pollard-Pooran-Russell is a stuff of dreams. On every occasion that Simmons/Fletcher-Lewis provided West Indies with a blistering start, George Linde and Shamsi stalled their progress. In slow UAE pitches, this duo will be a handful. Keshav Maharaj’s 9 wickets in the Tests, including a 5-36 and a hat-trick (thanks to Muldur’s catch) to wrap up the second Test, was the icing on the cake. Brilliant collective spin performance.
  • Quinton de Kock & Kagiso Rabada are back at their best. In the 2020-21 season, QDK only scored 74 runs at 12.33 in 6 Test innings and 77 runs in 3 T20I innings. Rabada was finally getting out of form as well—Only 5 Test wickets (4 innings) at 39.40 in 2020-21 and no 5 wicket hauls since 2018. QDK scored 492 runs across the series’ with 1-100 & 4-50s and 18-wicket haul for Rabada, including a Test 5-fer.
  • Aiden Markam has stepped it up this year. After a wonderful debut year, his form took a nosedive and has been on a roller-coaster ride ever since. Sometimes captain, sometimes not and switched between opening & middle order as well. Since the Pakistan series, he has scores of 51, 54, 63, & 70 in T20Is (out of 7 games played) along with a 60 in Test. Just needs to convert now and make the place his own.

Room For Improvement

  • Questions on Bavuma-Hendricks: With Faf du Plessis’ imminent return for the T20I World Cup, where the pair of captain Bavuma-Reeza Hendricks fit in the equation is an open question. This was the series to make their mark. Unfortunately the stats do not add up:
    • Bavuma: 76 runs, 15.20 average, 108.57 SR
    • Hendricks: 78 runs, 19.50 average, 139.28 SR
  • The 6th bowler is probably the biggest concern for the Proteas. Apart from Shamsi (4.00 economy), Anrich Nortje (7.00), and Linde (7.81), the bowling, particularly at the death, has been horrendous. With Rabada (9.44), Lungi Ngidi (10.94), and Hendricks-Markram giving away 65 runs in 4 overs, some things need to change.
  • South Africa’s World Cup hopes lie on Chris Morris & Imran Tahir. If Morris is in, the side will be balanced and will give SA a genuine death bowling option: Rabada-Nortje-Morris-Linde-Shamsi-Tahir, and now we are talking about a world class T20I line-up. Add to the that, a Faf-QDK-Markram-van der Dussen-Miller batting line up, South Africa are dark horses for the T20I WC for sure.

T20I World Cup Squad Predictions

West Indies Squad Predictions

  1. Lendl Simmons, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Kieron Pollard*, 6. Nicholas Pooran (WK), 7. Andre Russell, 8. Fabian Allen, 9. Dwayne Bravo, 10. Kevin Sinclair, 11. Obed McCoy

Squad: 12. Jason Holder, 13. Rovman Powell, 14. Sheldon Cottrell, 15. Andre Fletcher, 16. Darren Bravo, 17. Keemo Paul, 18. Alzarri Joseph, 19. Oshane Thomas, 20. Fidel Edwards, 21. Akeal Hosein, 22. Hayden Walsh Jr., 23. Kesrick Williams/ Chamar Holder/Sunil Narine

South Africa Squad Predictions

  1. Quinton de Kock (WK), 2. Janneman Malan, 3. Faf du Plessis, 4. Rassie Van der Dussen, 5. Aiden Markram*, 6. David Miller, 7. George Linde, 8. Chris Morris, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Tabraiz Shasmsi

Squad: 12. Heinrich Klassen, 13. Temba Bavuma, 14. Reeza Hendricks, 15. Wiaan Mulder, 16. Andile Phelukwayo, 17. JJ Smuts, 18. Dwaine Pretorius, 19. Bjorn Fortuin, 20. Lungi Ngidi, 21. Lizaad Williams, 22. Kyle Verreynne, 23. Imran Tahir

Wildcards: AB De Villiers (WK), Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla, Junior Dala, Pete van Biljon, 21. Sisanda Magala, 23. Keshav Maharaj

The Awards

West IndiesSouth Africa
Emerging PlayerObed McCoyGeorge Linde
Comeback KidFidel EdwardsQuinton de Kock 2.0
Surprise PackageKyle Mayers, the bowlerKeshav Maharaj’s Hat-trick
Broken Cricket DreamHome Test Defeat & Pooran’s FormBavuma-Hendricks & the 6th Bowler
West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Awards

Upcoming Fixtures: Where Do They Go From Here?

With the T20 World Cup forthcoming, both teams have invested in the preparation.

Here are the upcoming fixtures:

Although South Africa are on a positive slope, they do not have as many practice games to get their perfect XI out before the IPL & T20 WC.

West Indies, on the other hand, lost the series but gained some insight due to experimentation. They still have 10 home T20 games—but this is a double edge sword. They have time to put their perfect group together, but also have more opportunities to expose their weaknesses.

COMMENT BELOW WITH YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS SERIES! Like this content on this West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Review? SUBSCRIBE HERE to receive updates about new articles right in your inbox! If you are on social media, give us a follow in any of the social media outlets below:

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Copyright: @Nitesh Mathur, Broken Cricket Dreams, 7/7/2021. Email at bcd@brokencricketdreams.com to get in touch with us.

PBKS Vs DC – IPL 2021 Match 29 Review: Agarwal’s 99* In Vain As Capitals March On

PBKS Vs DC – IPL 2021 Match #29 Quick Review!

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: PBKS Vs DC Video Highlights

Toss: DC won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Umpires: Anil Chaudhary & Anil Dandekar

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Mumbai Indians won by 4 wickets.
  • Scores: PBKS 166-6 Vs DC 167-3
  • Player of the Match: Mayank Agarwal
  • Best Figures
    • Kagiso Rabada – 3/36
    • Harpreet Brar – 1/19 (3 overs)
  • Most Runs
    • Mayank Agarwal – 99* (58)
    • Shikhar Dhawan – 69* (47)

Moment of The Day: Chris Gayle’s Stump Goes Flying

  • After Kagiso Rabada’s consistent breakthrough IPL seasons, IPL 2021 has been a letdown so far. With Anrich Nortje on the bench, his position was under the scanner. Just 3 wickets in the last 5 games, he came back with a 3/36 today. My moment of the day was Rabada taking Gayle’s stump out with a full-toss after Gayle had dispatched Rabada for a six.
  • Mayank Agarwal was the batsman of IPL 2020 although he got injured halfway through. After his form dropped from Test cricket, he was not looking like his own. Even though he was among the runs this year, the ball-striking and strike rate was not up to par. As stand-in captain for KL Rahul, he was back to his absolute best. 99* (58) pushed PBKS to a competitive score of 166.

Honorable Mention: Hetmyer’s finishes it off in style – 16* (4) with 2 sixes

T20 World Cup Spotlight: Shaw, Shikhar Shoe-In for the 23-Member Squad?

Prithvi Shaw has been single-handedly dismantling the opposition within the powerplay, while Shikhar Dhawan has been killing the opposition softly. Together, they have formed a deadly combination, both in the top 4 of top run-getters.

  • Dhawan is the orange cap: 380 runs, 54.28 average, 134.27 strike rate.
  • Shaw: 308 runs, 38.50 average, 166.48 strike rate.

If the T20 World Cup happens, they should definitely make the squad now. The question is, do they make the XI? With Mumbai Indians trio Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar struggling for form, Dhawan-Shaw might be a wildcard opening entry rather than Sharma-Kohli. KL Rahul & Mayank Agarwal are the other options.

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Dawid Malan

  • Nicholas Pooran was finally dropped for Dawid Malan. Malan already scored higher than Pooran in his six games – but the strike rate was concerning. 26 (26) with a few good looking shots and singles, but was bogged down. Where do things stand for him?
  • Ravi Bishnoi has pulled some blinders and have had some good games with the ball. After Harpreet got Prithvi Shaw out and Steve Smith slow to get off, PBKS had a sniff. Shikhar Dhawan had other plans as he destroyed Bishnoi. Ended with figures of 4-0-42-0.
  • Wishing speedy recovery to KL Rahul who underwent appendicitis surgery.

The Big News: COVID Hits the IPL

KKR Vs RCB has been postponed due to positive tests for Varun Chakravarthy & Sandeep Warrier. In addition, CSK staff has also been hit.

I think it is time to shut the IPL for now. Players’ health is more important.

The BCCI is deliberating moving the entire rest of the IPL to Mumbai.

IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Shikhar Dhawan 380 runs (PBKS, 8 matches)
  • Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 7 matches)
TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Delhi Capitals 862012+0.547
2. Chennai Super Kings752010+1.263
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore 752010 -0.171
4. Mumbai Indians74308+ 0.062
5. Rajasthan Royals73406-0.190
6. Punjab Kings83506-0.368
7. Kolkata Knight Riders72504-0.494
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad71602-0.623
IPL 2021 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. Chennai Super Kings – CSK Preview
  2. Delhi Capitals – DC Preview
  3. Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR Preview
  4. Mumbai Indians – MI Preview
  5. Punjab Kings – PBKS Preview
  6. Rajasthan Royals – RR Preview
  7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB Preview
  8. Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH Preview

Copyright (2021: 4/12/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Home » Chris Gayle

PBKS Vs RCB- IPL 2021 Match 26 Review: Harpreet Brar’s Day Out Shuts Out RCB

PBKS Vs RCB – IPL 2021 Match #26 Quick Review! KL Rahul & Chris Gayle set the tone for PBKS, and Harpreet Brar did the rest.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: PBKS Vs RCB Video Highlights

Toss: SRH won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Umpires: Sundaram Ravi & Virender Sharma

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Chennai Super Kings won by 7 wickets.
  • Scores: PBKS 179-5 Vs RCB 145-8
  • Player of the Match: Harpreet Brar
  • Best Figures
    • Kyle Jamieson – 2/32
    • Harpreet Brar – 3/19
  • Most Runs
    • KL Rahul – 91* (57)
    • Virat Kohli – 35 (34)

Moments of The Day: What can Harpreet Brar not do?

Here are my moments of today:

  • KL Rahul is the poster-child of Bangalore. At PBKS, he has Mayank Agarwal, his best friend, as his opening partner. Add coach Anil Kumble & ex-RCB Chris Gayle to that list. He debuted for RCB in 2013 before moving to Punjab in 2018. Last year, he scored 132* against RCB and 91* today. An array of shots today, with a few scoops at the end as well. He has not been dismissed by them in the last couple of years. Basically, he loves RCB & Bangalore, whether that is for them or against them.
  • Chris Gayle produced his second match-winning knock of the season. Five fours in an over against Kyle Jamieson raised the momentum, which put Punjab’s run-rate in second gear. Ended with 46 (24) with 2 sixes.
  • Harpreet Brar was the star of the show. After Gayle’s storm, a mini-collapse took place. 118-5 in 14.4 overs. Harpreet Brar rebuilt and provided KL Rahul with much-needed support on the other end. At the end, he took finishing in his own hands with a quickfire 25* (17) with 2 sixes. The last ball six sent the dugout with the momentum they needed to inflict the damage with the ball.
  • Harpreet Brar, the bowler—Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, AB De Villiers. Bowled, bowled, caught. Double-wicket maiden. And a catch as well. Combined figures of Brar & Bishnoi: 8-1-36-3. Wow. Just Wow.

Honorable Mention: Ravi Bishnoi takes another blinder; Prabhsimran Singh’s shows intent; Glenn’s Maxwell stunned reaction; Meredith’s bowled

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Rajat Patidar & Virat Kohli

  • In a 9 an over required-rate, Kohli’s 35 (34) & Patidar’s 31 (30) was not up to par. Even AB De Villiers cannot rescue the team with a partnership worth 43 (46).
  • Harshal Patel is the purple cap of the season and had taken 17 wickets in 6 games. At this rate, he would be the highest wicket-taker in a season. Until this game, the 37-run Jadeja over was the only blot to his name. Today, the death bowling was not accurate and he conceded 53 runs without taking a wicket. Made it up with 31* (13). Helped RCB’s NRR by taking them from 96-7 to 145-8 with Kyle Jamieson’s help.
  • Cannot End this without Nicholas’ ‘Poor-Run.’ He has now bagged 0 (0), 0(1), 0(2), and 0(3). Quite a collection. Nicholas Pooran & his ducks:

IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • KL Rahul 331 runs (PBKS, 7 matches)
  • Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 7 matches)
TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Chennai Super Kings752010+1.263
2. Delhi Capitals752010+0.466
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore 752010 -0.171
4. Mumbai Indians74308+ 0.062
5. Punjab Kings73406-0.264
6. Kolkata Knight Riders72504-0.494
7. Rajasthan Royals62404-0.69
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad61502-0.264
IPL 2021 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. Chennai Super Kings – CSK Preview
  2. Delhi Capitals – DC Preview
  3. Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR Preview
  4. Mumbai Indians – MI Preview
  5. Punjab Kings – PBKS Preview
  6. Rajasthan Royals – RR Preview
  7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB Preview
  8. Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH Preview

Copyright (2021: 4/12/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Home » Chris Gayle

MI Vs PBKS IPL 2021 Match 17 Review: Bowlers, Top Order Brush Mumbai Aside

MI Vs PBKS– IPL 2021 Match #17 Quick Review! Ravi Bishnoi & Mohammad Shami set up the chase, and KL Rahul-Mayank Agarwal-Chris Gayle carried Punjab home.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: MI Vs DC Video Highlights

Toss: PBKS won the toss and chose to bat first.

Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

Umpires: Chettithody Shamshuddin & Nitin Menon

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Punjab Kings won by 9 wickets.
  • Scores: MI 131/6PBKS 132/1
  • Player of the Match: KL Rahul
  • Best Figures
    • Mohammad Shami & Ravi Bishnoi – 2/21
    • Rahul Chahar – 1/19
  • Most Runs
    • Rohit Sharma – 63 (52)
    • KL Rahul – 60* (52)

Moments of The Day: Good Team Selection Key to PBKS’ Win

The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:

  • PBKS’ collective bowling performance the key to victory. The way Moises Henriques (3-0-12-0) & Deepak Hooda (3-0-12-1) began set the tone for Punjab’s disciplined bowling effort & got the 5th/6th bowler out of the way earlier. Bishnoi finally came back to the XI and delivered right away. Both Shami & Bishnoi had figures of 4-0-21-2.
  • KL Rahul & Mayank Agarwal – They delivered all throughout IPL 2020, but had been inconsistent in 2021, which lead to Punjab’s low scores of 106/8 and 120 recently. 53-run partnership today helped Punjab chase the tricky total. KL Rahul has received lots of criticism for “Strike rate is over-rated” comment, but today, slow-ish matured innings by KL & Gayle was exactly what Punjab needed. Strike rate is over-rated…in Chennai.
  • Rahul Chahar & Jayant Yadav – Mumbai took it close yet again due to the spinners. Chahar has been the best leg-spinner all IPL and was turning it square again. Figures of 4-0-19-1 (8 dot balls) & 4-0-20-0 (16 dot balls) for Chahar & Jayant respectively almost brought MI back in the game.

World T20 World Cup Spotlight: The Universe Boss Is Back

  • Chris Gayle was going through a lean phase with scores of 10, 11, & 15 with Dawid Malan looking over his shoulder. Despite a slow start today, he came back with 43* (35) with 2 sixes, in usual Gayle fashion on the 8th anniversary of his 175* against Pune Warriors. Mumbai Indians were choking oppositions at will in Chennai and run-a-ball with 3 overs to go was touch and go. Boult came in, & Gayle/Rahul finished it off with 14 balls to spare.
  • The 41-year-old Universe Boss should definitely be in the 23 men World T20 squad, shouldn’t he?

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Mumbai’s Batting Is Losing Its Grip

  • 159/9, 152/10, 150/5, 137/9, 131/6 – Things are going from bad to worse for the Mumbai Indians, despite winning 2 without a single convincing batting performance.
  • The form of Ishan Kishan & Quinton de Kock will be a worry, specially since Chris Lynn went back to the bench after his 49. Except one score of 40, de Kock has scored 2, 2, & 3 respectively. Kishan’s 1 (3), 12 (21) , 26 (28) do not look any better and the miserly 6 (17) was the reason Mumbai scored only 21 runs in the 6-over Powerplay today.
  • Rohit Sharma & Suryakumar Yadav have done better overall, but neither have converted to the big scores after being set. Rohit’s 63 (52) was better today since he stayed till the 18th over, with 19, 43, 32, 44 earlier. SKY, similarly, has scores of 31, 56, 10, 24, & 33.

With 4 games in the slow pitches of Delhi to follow, MI are in dire need to change strategy…or personnel.

IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Shikhar Dhawan 231 runs (DC, 4 matches)
  • Harshal Patel – 12 wickets (RCB, 4 matches)
TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore44008+ 1.009
2. Chennai Super Kings43106+1.142
3. Delhi Capitals43106+0.426
4. Mumbai Indians52304-0.032
5. Punjab Kings52304-0.428
6. Sunrisers Hyderabad 41302-0.228
7. Kolkata Knight Riders41302-0.7
8. Rajasthan Royals41302-1.011
IPL 2021 Points Table

Tomorrow’s Preview

The bottom of the table clash: KKR Vs RR. Purple Vs Pink. Who you do think will win this one?

Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. Chennai Super Kings – CSK Preview
  2. Delhi Capitals – DC Preview
  3. Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR Preview
  4. Mumbai Indians – MI Preview
  5. Punjab Kings – PBKS Preview
  6. Rajasthan Royals – RR Preview
  7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB Preview
  8. Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH Preview

Copyright (2021: 4/12/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Home » Chris Gayle

KKR Vs MI IPL 2021 Match 5 Review: Kolkata Seniors Throw It Away

KKR Vs MI– IPL 2021 Match #5 Quick Review! The Mumbai Indians sure know how to win games & Kolkata Knight Riders sure know how to lose them. As a KKR fan, the ending was hard to watch. Great heist from MI nevertheless.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: KKR Vs MI Video Highlights

Toss: KKR won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: MA Chidambaram, Chepauk, Chennai

Umpires: Chettithody Shamshuddin & Chris Gaffaney

What Actually Happened: Collapse of Epic Proportions

  • Winner: MI won by 10 runs
  • Scores: MI 152/10 Vs KKR 142/7
  • Player of the Match: Rahul Chahar
  • Best Figures
    • Andre Russell – 5/15
    • Rahul Chahar – 4/27
  • Most Runs
    • Suryakumar Yadav 56 (36)
    • Nitish Rana 57 (47)

Moments of The Day: Rahul Chahar Turns The Game

The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:

  • Andre Russell, the bowler had a dream of a game. Barely able to lift himself with all the injuries & muscle, he came up with figures of 5-15 in 2 overs. Cleaned up the tail pretty nicely.
  • Rahul Chahar turns the game, literally. Chahar was the catalyst of the collapse that turned 72-0 in 8.4 overs to 142/7 in 20. Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan, & most importantly, the well set Nitish Rana. The ball that dismissed Tripathi was the ball of the tournament so far. Rana unnecessarily danced down the pitch (to Chahar’s last ball by the way) & Shakib threw it away back-to-back sent panic into the KKR dressing room. DK-Russell lost their natural games trying to preserve their wickets, and in the process, gifted MI the game.

Honorable Mentions: Bumrah’s 19th shows his class; Russell’s 2 dropped catches a blessing in disguise

T20 World Cup Watch: Suryakumar, Krunal Strengthen Their Cases

Given that the T20I World Cup is around the corner, and pandemic induced rules has changed the rules to 23-player squad, we will be analyzing the impact of each match on the T20I World Cup squad.

  • In a pitch where nobody got going, Suryakumar Yadav batted beautifully – 56 (36) with 2 sixes. SKY is going from strength to strength after the India debut. He has a foot inside that World Cup squad.
  • The difference between the two sides was Krunal Pandya. From 126/7 in 17.3 overs, Krunal’s 15 (9) in 3 overs took MI to a respectable 152. When KKR were in a comfortable position, a miserly spell of 4-0-13-1 stalled KKR’s chase. He has been in-and-out of the T20I side, and this performance will just push him up the ladder.

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: KKR Fans

  • The senior KKR batsman fail to live up to the hype. The strength of KKR was supposed to be their star-studded middle order—Eoin Morgan 9 (9), Dinesh Karthik 8* (11), Russell 9 (15), & Shakib 9 (9) this season. Yet, their only victories in the last two seasons have been due to Rana-Tripathi-Gill or Varun-Lockie.
  • DK not being able to finish the game & not even hitting a boundary was quite unlike him. Morgan hit one boundary, Shakib’s only 4 was an under edge against Rohit Sharma, & Russell’s only 4 was off of a free hit. Andre Russell, the batsman, has been especially disappointing over the last two seasons. 2019 apart and his contributions from the bat are minimal, especially with the likes of Lockie Ferguson & Ben Cutting on the sidelines.

Shah Rukh Khan summed it up perfectly.

  • Also hope Rohit Sharma is okay – twisted his ankle before his first ball. Ended up completing the over, but given his injury history, definitely a concern.

IPL 2021 Points Table

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table. We will keep updating it in every article!

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Delhi Capitals11002+0.779
2. Mumbai Indians2 1102+0.225
3. Punjab Kings11002+ 0.2
4. Royal Challengers Bangalore11002+0.05
5. Kolkata Knight Riders211000.00
6. Rajasthan Royals10100-0.2
7. Sunrisers Hyderabad10100-0.5
8.. Chennai Super Kings10100-0.779
IPL 2021 Points Table

Tomorrow’s Preview

The Sunrisers Hyderabad take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai. Who do you think will win this one?

Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. Chennai Super Kings – CSK Preview
  2. Delhi Capitals – DC Preview
  3. Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR Preview
  4. Mumbai Indians – MI Preview
  5. Punjab Kings – PBKS Preview
  6. Rajasthan Royals – RR Preview
  7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB Preview
  8. Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH Preview

Copyright (2021: 4/13/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Home » Chris Gayle