Sunil Narine Not Ready To Make International Comeback: Kieron Pollard
Published - 27 Jun 2021, 01:58 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:48 AM
West Indies limited-overs skipper Kieron Pollard has opened up on Sunil Narine’s comeback to the national team. Sunil Narine started as a promising and wicket-taking spinner in international cricket in 2012; however, he has struggled with his bowling action in recent times. Ahead of the first T20 international against South Africa in Grenada, Kieron Pollard asserted that the 33-year old is not ready for a comeback.
Sunil Narine last played for the West Indies back in August 2019. The Trinidad and Tobago cricketer has struggled for form apart from his bowling action and not been as effective in picking up wickets or controlling the flow of runs. Narine, who has been a significant part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL since 2012, has not delivered as per expectations in his recent seasons. Thus, he has failed to nail down a place in the national team.
Kieron Pollard revealed that Sunil Narine indicated to the selectors he might have been available after IPL. However, with the IPL postponed midway, he failed to get the required confidence in his action or could not get the necessary preparation. Thus, Narine could not bring himself to play international cricket again.
“He (Narine) had indicated to the selectors that he might have been available after the IPL. Then, the IPL was cut short halfway through so he might not have got the necessary preparation or confidence in his action, so he indicated that he is still not ready. We’ll play it by ear as we go along,” Pollard told ESPN Cricinfo.
Kieron Pollard in full support of picking the senior players:
Kieron Pollard further stated that he believes in making full use of the senior players as long as they are around. The towering all-rounder revealed facing questions on why the cricketers do not play for the West Indies when they ply their trade in all the T20 leagues.
“If these guys are assets to us, why not use the little bit of cricket they have left in them? Some of these guys play around the world and then when we see them around the world, we ask why they are not playing for us, and now they are,” he added.
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