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The music of the calypso is so sweet to the ear; so are the West Indians on a cricket field. A team that is a mixture of different countries from a common culture, the West Indians have great tradition in the cricketing annals. Their side of 1970-80s are rated as the best side to play the game ever. However the maladministration and mismanagement from the Board and some insensibility from the players have marred the game in the region. Yet the side produced some legends like Brian Lara, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Shivnaraine Chanderpaul over the years when the side was not in great form.
The fabulous West Indians are adding to the glory of the IPL by leaps and bounds. The reluctance of the Board to give the players an opportunity to make the team has resulted in quite a few handy players, who could have been causing trouble for the Australians right now, are enjoying the glitz in India.
The first two big names of West Indies cricket are two of the most sought after T20 players – Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard. They have time and again proved why they are in the radar for every T20 side and franchisee. In fact, the two with Dwayne Bravo play T20s all round the globe. The latest addition to the list of the West Indian stars has been Kevon Cooper. He has added depth to the strong Rajasthan Royals side this season.
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Chris Gayle is among the first names one would like to zero in on for his T20 side. He has been in trouble with the administration for a long time, thanks to his unyielding ego and an equal one from the opposite side. But Gayle is a force to reckon with in 22 yards. He was initially with the Kolkata Knight Riders, but did not make much news with the side. However after a snub in the IPL auction in 2010, a freak injury to Dirk Nannes resulted in him being picked for Bangalore and ever since, he has been a match-winner for them. Runs flowed in abundance from his bat and he ended up winning the ‘orange cap’ for the most runs scored in the edition. He was the only player to crack two centuries in single edition of the IPL and the only time he failed was in the final when Ashwin trapped him in the first over and ended Bangalore’s chances at the cup. Gayle can be handy with his off spin too. The bludgeoning sixes and a cool smile aftermath symbolizes the man. Dhoni may be cool under pressure but Gayle appears as the coolest man on the field. He never lets way for emotions to be shown.
If Gayle is destructive, Dwayne Bravo is as clinical as ever. Being a highly utility player, Bravo can hit some out of the park and his medium pace is as sharp as his batting. Initially with the Mumbai side, Bravo could not get many chances thanks to the presence of his fellow Trinidadian Pollard. Chennai bought him up at base price and today he is an integral part of Chennai’s starting XI. His medium pace provides excellent support to Ashwin and his phalanx of spinners in Dhoni’s armory. Bravo also adds depth to Chennai’s power packed hitting.
The biggest find of IPL however, has been Mumbai’s Kieron Pollard. In 2009, the inaugural Champions League announced the arrival of a big hitting giant for Trinidad and Tobago and he was immediately picked by Mumbai for a huge sum in the following auction and what a debut season he had. Pollard’s presence in the XI lifted the side. He can bat and bat big – those sixes are just carved out of his bat with unusual niche. His bowling in the middle overs has been crucial. He provides with timely breakthroughs for the richest IPL side with his gentle medium pace. If not anything, Pollard can walk into a side for his fielding alone – the level of commitment he shows in the field is amazing to say the least. He is known for his athletic ground fielding and is quite an incredible catcher too. Jonty Rhodes will be a proud fielding coach.
Kevon Cooper adds to the list of Calypso kings in the IPL. Like his senior Pollard, CLT20 2011 was his launch pad in India and he is among the smartest buys of IPL auction 2012. Rajasthan Royals will benefit with his hard hitting abilities lower down the order and penetrating bowling. He is the find of this IPL. Cooper is similar to Pollard on all grounds. He hits the ball high and long back into the stands, chips in with some useful wickets with his medium pace and is an excellent ground fielder.
Another new name in IPL this season is Sunil Narine. He did have an ordinary outing on his IPL debut but the man is still remembered here for his spells in CLT20 2011. Narine specializes with his mystery ball to go with his leg spin and is a very economical bowler. Mind you, Chennai boasts of some incredible batsmen for the subcontinental conditions and spin bowling in Raina, Ashwin and Jakati. As and when he gets his chance, Narine is sure to rock for Kolkata.
Other names from the West Indies are Jerome Taylor – who was terrific for Pune last season in their failed campaign. Fidel Edwards boosted the Deccan Chargers when they won the Championship in 2009. Marlon Samuels is now a solid middle order batsman for Pune and we need no introduction to his ability. Andre Russell is yet to play for the power packed Delhi Daredevils but he is another of those hard hitting, pace bowling all-rounders from the far West. Bharath despite all the talent, failed to have a great IPL. Darren Bravo when he joins Deccan is likely to boost their weak batting. Sarwan played a few matches but he has been more of a Test batsman.
Given the wealth of these rockstars, it is really a sad thing that West Indies side is struggling in the international arena while their players are an integral part of many domestic teams. The shabby administration filled with selfish people is to blame for the poor performance of the side. But for a tournament like the IPL where performers are recognized, West Indian stars feel at home. Sri Lankans, South Africans have all been integral parts of many IPL sides, while the Australians and Kiwis have added depth. But the ones who bring glamour and variety to the IPL sides have been the Calypso Kings!
Truly the rockstars of Indian Premier League!!!
Other articles that might interest you :
https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/12/pollard-shines-in-mumbais-win-over-rajasthan/
https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/08/ipl-the-lessons-of-management-learnt-better-by-rrs-than-kkrs/
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