Ex-West Indies skipper Darren Sammy compares opening batsman’s captaincy style with former wicketkeeper-batsman; says Indian cricket is in good hands
Rohit Sharma. Pic/AFP
Former West Indies captain Darren Sammy feels Indian cricket is in good hands under Rohit Sharma’s leadership as he bracketed the senior India batter alongside the legendary MS Dhoni in their ability to get the best out of their teammates. A five-time IPL winning captain, a fit-again Rohit will take charge as full time India white ball captain in the upcoming three ODI and three T20Is series against the West Indies beginning in Ahmedabad on February 6.
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Exceptional Kohli
Rohit was made the captain after the BCCI removed Virat Kohli as the ODI skipper following his war of words with the Board. “Kohli has been exceptional with his performances on the field. I don’t think it will affect the team,” Sammy said.
Darren Sammy
“Rohit has been an excellent captain [with Mumbai Indians], a good motivational leader. I’ve watched him captaining Mumbai in the IPL. He’s among the captains who have won like MS Dhoni, [Gautam] Gambhir. All these guys can manage to get performances from their teammates. These captains normally get results and win trophies. I’m not worried about Indian cricket. It’s in good hand,” he added.
Sammy recollected how Dhoni finished the game for Chennai Super Kings with a six-ball 18 not out, smashing three boundaries in the last over against Delhi Capitals in the semi-final last season. CSK won their fourth IPL title in 2021 beating Kolkata Knight Riders in the final.
“You see guys like MS...He didn’t do much the entire season but when the team needed him to fire in the playoffs, he was out there in full flow,” Sammy said. Sammy said it will not be a cakewalk for India in the upcoming white-ball series and the Kieron Pollard-led side should fancy their chances. West Indies had bounced back from a shock 1-2 ODI series defeat against Ireland to lead the ongoing five-match T20I home series against England 2-1.
Chance for Windies
“I believe Pollard will definitely fancy his chances [against India]. He has been playing in India for so long, he knows the conditions well. At the [ongoing] England series, we have unearthed some new talents. I think West Indies could go out there [India] and do well,” Sammy said. India struggled in their last ODI series in South Africa as the KL Rahul-led side were routed 0-3 by the Proteas. They had lost the preceding Test series 1-2.
Asked whether it would be an advantage for the West Indies considering India’s struggle in their last series, Sammy said: “India have always been strong at home, they are a force to reckon with because of some good one-day players.”
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