Kieron Pollard, India vs West Indies 2019, Roston Chase
Kieron Pollard (Credits: Twitter)

West Indies’ limited-overs captain Kieron Pollard led his team in the T20I opener against India at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. The Caribbeans played very well against India in the first innings. Batting first they managed to pile up 207/5 in their allotted quota of 20 overs on the back of Shimron Hetmyer’s half-century and Evin Lewis’ 17-ball-40 blitzkrieg that set the perfect platform for the upcoming batsmen to go about their business.

Kieron Pollard who played his first bilateral ODI series against India since 2016 as he was axed from the squad due to a dispute with the previous Windies Cricket Board scored a quick-fire 19-ball 37 (1 four, 4 sixes) and in what was the icing on the cake, Jason Holder scored a 9-ball-27 with the help of 2 sixes and a four to set up a mammoth total. In reply, India aced the run-chase by 6 wickets with 8 balls to spare. Thanks to Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 94 and KL Rahul’s 62 which helped India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

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Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard (Credits: Twitter)

I did not see it as a bad decision to appoint Pollard as the captain: Brian Lara

Meanwhile, former West Indies skipper Brian Lara reckons that appointing Kieron Pollard as the captain was indeed the right decision. But at the same time, he feels that it is still a mountain to climb to form the side ahead of the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup. He went on to suggest that Pollard should analyse the team and form the perfect combination ahead of the marquee event next year.

“I did not see it as a bad decision to appoint him as the captain. Over a period of time, his representation for West Indies may not be a lot but he has played all around the world in different leagues. He has respect from the opposition. He also has the respect of his teammates and he can move forward. T20 World Cup is under 12 months and you are looking for the right person to lead the side. He has the experience to do so, it is a good decision but it still will be an uphill battle,” Lara told reporters on the sidelines of an event.

Brian Lara
Brian Lara (Credits: Twitter)

West Indies have won the T20 World Cup twice- in 2012 and 2016. Lara added that every team is cautious when they take on Caribbeans when it comes to the shortest format. He also added that facing India won’t be an easy challenge. “West Indies have won the tournament twice and many opponents are scared of the West Indies in the shorter format of the game, but he will have to build the team ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Facing India would not be easy but he must leave here a better team after this tournament, which does not mean winning necessarily,” Lara said.

The second fixture will be played at Greenfield International Stadium, Kerala on December 8. The third and the final game will be played at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on December 11.

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Squads:

West Indies T20 squad:

Fabian Allen, Brandon King, Denesh Ramdin, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, Khary Pierre, Lendl Simmons, Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard (captain), Hayden Walsh Jr, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Kesrick Williams.

West Indies ODI Squad:

Sunil Ambris, Shai Hope, Khary Pierre, Rostan Chase, Alzarri Joseph, Kieron Pollard (captain), Sheldon Cottrell, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Keemo Paul, Hayden Walsh Jr.