Playing XI West Indies must target if they want to return to their best

West Indies was knocked out of the 2022 T20 World Cup in the first round itself. For a team that won two titles, it was a massive downfall. Even Head Coach Phil Simmons has stepped down from the role. We could some changes in the team, as well. On that note, in this article, we take a look at the playing XI West Indies must target if they want to return to their best.

The management must first fix issues outside the playing park. Too many West Indian cricketers are giving priority to overseas leagues and this has to be fixed at the earliest if West Indies are to improve. If they can have all the players available for selection, a lot of issues could be fixed.

Openers: Evin Lewis and Brandon King

Evin Lewis and Brandon King should be the openers in the playing XI West Indies must target if they want to return to their best. Evin Lewis may not be in the best of form but his abilities make him a must-have in the XI. If he can find some consistency, he would be dangerous to the opposition. Brandon King is one cricketer who is in form and deserves to open the innings. Kyle Mayers is also an option but that would be too many left-handers in the top-order.

Middle-Order: Nicholas Pooran (C & WK), Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell

West Indies should somehow have both Pooran and Hetmyer in the XI. The management of both these players has been poor, especially with respect to the latter. Pooran is not realizing his full potential and unburdening him of captaincy duties could be an option. Hetmyer is arguably the best batter for West Indies and needs to play for the team consistently. Rovman Powell will be the batter at No.5.

All-Rounders: Andre Russell, Jason Holder, and Akeal Hosein

Andre Russell should return to the setup in the playing XI West Indies must target if they want to return to their best. This category is the strength of the West Indies and they should have the best here. Andre Russell is required for this team to give the much-needed balance. Jason Holder, for his experience, is also required. He should also take care of the bowling in the powerplay. Akeal Hosein can come in as the spin option and Odean Smith should also be often played here. Romaria Shephard also deserves his chances.

Bowlers: Sunil Narine, Alzarri Joseph and Obed McCoy

West Indies must have a consistent bowling attack to excel at the highest level. Sunil Narine is still doing well for his franchises and he should somehow be brought back into the picture. His four overs would then become a blessing for the team. Alzarri Joseph, with his pace, can be used as the enforcer while McCoy has to be the death-overs specialist for the team. This pace attack, if used consistently, can come good in the future.