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 fire broke out on the 15th floor of a building in Xinjiang, China. 10 people died in this accid
Mangalore church attacked by anti-social elements: Minister
Mangalore, Feb 25 (IANS) A church was attacked here by some "anti-social elements", Karnataka H
Raw almond singer Bhuban Badyakar no longer wants to sell peanuts, the reason given
Bhuban Badyakar, who sold peanuts by singing the song Kacha Badam, has now become a rockstar. His
Due to inflation in Britain, the situation has become such that now along with the common people,
FTX, one of the world's largest crypto exchanges, applied for bankruptcy on Friday. People did no
Weather Forecast Today: The period of rain is continuing in many states of the country. According
Take back ordinance on Land Acquisition: Anna to Modi
New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare Monday urged Prime Minister Naren
The cryptocurrency market is showing slight gains. Bitcoin, the world's largest digital token, is
Panaji, Feb 16 (IANS) BJP's Sidharth Kunkolienkar Monday won the Panaji bypoll, defeating his ne
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the contribution of the Northeast region will
