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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Lucknow on Tuesday after a long time. Prime Minister Narendr
Senior railway official sweeps Bengaluru station platform
Bengaluru, March 27 (IANS) Setting an example by action, Divisional Railway Manager Sanjiv Agar
Personnel of the National Disaster Response Force, who arrived to assist in rescue operations fol
Keralites stranded in Rome arrive at Kochi airport
यहां तक कि जब दिल्ली में 68 वर्षीय एक
Fitch Ratings: Fitch Revises India's Sovereign Rating Outlook, Changes From Negative To Stable
Fitch Ratings on Friday said it has changed its outlook for India's sovereign rating from negativ
Sanju Samson has created history for Rajasthan Royals. Sanju Samson has become the player to
British pop band 'One Direction' ex-member and English singer Liam Payne has passed away. 31-year
Corona Virus Infection Figures Cross 9000 In India, 308 Dead
New Delhi. The number of patients infected with the corona virus in India has crossed 9 thousand.
Australian captain Clarke announces ODI Retirement
Melbourne, March 28 (IANS) Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke will retire from One-Day In
Tamil Nadu government files SLP in SC against HC order
Chennai, Feb 20 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam Friday said the government ha
