The West Indies’ latest thrashing by India in both the one-day international and T20 series has once again brought the issue of captaincy of the team to the fore, with skipper Kieron Pollard understandably under pressure.
The whiteball teams’ abysmal performances in the last few months speak for themselves. They surrendered their International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 title without getting out the group phase, were swept by Pakistan 3-0, Ireland 2-1 and now another whitewash to India 3-0. Although this was sandwiched by a 3-2 T20 win over England, therefore, it is hard not to question the team’s leadership.
At the end of the latest series humiliation, the Windies were ninth on the International Cricket Council ODI team list out of 20 countries and seventh in T20s, well off the dizzying heights it previously held on these tables.
But should Pollard be the only man in the firing line?
Both Pollard and coach Phil Simmons were appointed in 2019 and have had unbroken runs since then. While fans can argue the team has had some success during this period, there are perhaps none who can truly say they have been happy with the progress the team has made during that time.
This, of course, is because the team continues to be plagued by the same problems - lack of consistency and the discipline it takes to be a world power in modern-day cricket.
To be fair, Cricket West Indies and the selectors must share some blame for the talent pool available at times. In this regard, the perplexing fitness policy which keeps some players out of teams, even while they are active in foreign T20 leagues, must be properly explained to the fans. The inability to properly prepare players in-between tours and major events also remain an issue.
However, it is safe to say that the problems which currently manifest themselves - that of batting, fielding and bowling deficiencies - should by now have been dealt with by Simmons and his coaching staff. Batting coach Monty Desai in particular has been unable to correct the flaws which see even the so-called top batsmen cope with the poorest of spinners in recent times and the side unable to bat for 50 overs. Meanwhile, the discipline to apply themselves at all times - like the successful teams of Sir Clive Lloyd and Viv Richards - appears to be what is abandoning the team more often than not.
At 34, Pollard, who came into the side as a leadership and playing inspiration, is undoubtedly no longer at the top of his game and also seems to no longer command the team’s full respect - something which manifested itself in recent series. This could indeed suggest it may be time to give another player, like compatriot Nicholas Pooran, a chance.
However, the CWI has been known to be very conservative where these matters are concerned so it is likely the current hierarchy will remain until the next T20 and ODI World Cups. We hope however that it will bite the bullet and make the necessary changes if the poor results continue so that the teams do not crash and burn at these upcoming major events.
