There has been some uproar in West Indies cricket concerning the omission of some senior players from the One-Day International (ODI) squad in the current series with Pakistan. Showing that they are weak and can succumb to pressure, the selectors opted to recall Ramnaresh Sarwan for Monday's fourth ODI. I cannot understand the disappointment in some quarters at the omission of Gayle, Sarwan and/or Chanderpaul, notably, for the ODI segment of the series. First, the last World Cup is over less than one month ago and I assume that from this very series we are planning for the next edition. Is Sarwan, Chanderpaul or even Gayle going to be around in four years? They were hardly productive in the last World Cup and in four years they will all be in their mid-30s to near 40. They are unlikely to be more productive then, consistently, and I mean purely as players.
As leaders they have all failed in their own special way; it is well documented. What value do they add to the dressing room if there is constant complaints about one thing or the other when it comes to money, IPL, team meetings, curfews etc? What real knowledge can they impart on the younger players? What can also be inferred, by comments after the World Cup, is that the team coach had been disappointed in trying to motivate, plan around or demand execution in this format from senior players, who with their vast experience and decent skill should need no extra push to get results from themselves. But there in lies the dilemma. These three have been the cornerstone of the Windies batting for a better part of four years or since the retirement of Lara. They have over that period had some very good scores and in Chanderpaul's case an excellent year or two.
Their inconsistency in play, minus Chanderpaul, coupled with their attitude has led me to be willing to turn the page on their careers in the ODI format. I would only retain Chanderpaul in the Test format. Gayle and Sarwan need to understand that if Sammy, Gibson and Richardson are in charge of the team and the dressing room then they must conform to their demands or be put out to pasture. If they cannot conform then they must announce their retirement and move on. They cannot continue to say they are part of something and then not buy in to the entire concept 100 per cent. Then you are being dishonest and, quite frankly, only there for the paycheck. Does that surprise any-one? So in closing I say good riddance to Gayle and hopefully Sarwan will follow suit soon. You both had your chance and were given a good long run. The selectors must be strong and in the Test series go with the younger players, while setting a dressing room environment that is productive and encourages good and open cricket dialogue, disciplined sessions and committed young men. I say change things you have control and influence over-that is the team atmosphere and attitude. Time to cut the cord with Gayle, Sarwan and the like.
Scott Rodriguez
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