Christchurch, Feb 19 (IANS) All-rounder Darren Sammy believes embattled West Indies captain Jason Holder needs the unbridled support of his teammates to navigate the current turmoil surrounding the team’s poor form.
The 23-year-old Holder has had a fiery baptism, presiding over the Caribbean side’s 1-4 thrashing at the hands of South Africa last month and then as the West Indies slumped to a shock four-wicket defeat to minnows Ireland in their World Cup opener Monday.
"You just need that spark and we as a group have got to carry him through,” former ODI captain and the current Twenty20 Sammy was quoted as saying by CMC Wednesday.
“He’s young, he didn’t ask to be put in that situation and as one who has been in that situation, I know what that feels like. I will try my best to help him along and also encourage the team to help him along because captaining the West Indies is a very, very tough job.”
Holder’s appointment as captain was not without controversy. He replaced Dwayne Bravo who had only been in the job for just over a year, after replacing Sammy in 2013.
Bravo was also axed from the squad, following his role as spokesman for aggrieved players during the abandoned tour of India, a move that prompted claims of victimisation from several quarters.
Senior team player Chris Gayle, a member of the World Cup squad, also publicly lashed out at the selectors’ decision to drop Bravo and Kieron Pollard.
Despite this furore, Sammy said Holder still commanded the support of the senior players.
"At least now Jason has the backing of the guys in the dressing room, the senior players want to see him do well,” Sammy pointed out.
“It’s very tough. I don’t know what’s going on in his mind but from what I’ve seen he’s a strong character, a strong individual.”
Sammy also advised Holder to seek supernatural help in difficult times.
“(He needs to) stay strong and pray to the man above. He controls all things,” Sammy, who has represented the West Indies in 120 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) said.
“If you’re feeling down, you whisper a prayer to him. That’s what I did but I had good support around me with my family.”
West Indies are currently here preparing to face Pakistan in their second match of the World Cup at the Hagley Oval Friday.
A convoy of 14 trucks from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), a free medical aid organization, has e
Rising heat can scorch the country's economy, apart from life, a heatwave can also take away jobs
India can no longer ignore issues like global warming. On the one hand, where there is scorching
Abhishek Bachchan reached Kashi Vishwanath temple, bowed down in Baba's court, a picture surfaced
Abhishek Bachchan Visits Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan reached Kashi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called a meeting of his entire cabinet on Friday to take measure
Gyanvapi Case: No stay on ASI survey in Gyanvapi, Muslim side got a blow from Allahabad High Court
The Allahabad High Court has dismissed the petition of Anjuman Intejamia Masajid Varanasi against
Corona Figure beyond 400 with 68 new cases
The fear of corona infection is getting worse day by day. Now the number of infected is increasin
Pakistan's ruling coalition PDM begins talks with PTI to resolve the political crisis
For the first time after coming to power, the federal government led by the Pakistan Democratic M
'Cricket's victory...' Rajeev Shukla praised the ICC for the IND vs PAK match.
Pakistan has agreed to play India in Colombo on February 15th in the T20 World Cup, but the offic
Salman Khan, famous as the Dabangg hero in Bollywood, has been forced to live under heavy securit
The first contestant of Kangana Ranaut's lockup revealed, face shown in new promo
In the new proms of Kangana Ranaut's new show Lock-Up, the first contestants have been revealed.
