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.
Gold and silver prices continue to fluctuate. According to bullion rates, silver prices rose by â
UP Elections: Will the equation change due to Ram Mandir and Owaisi in Bundelkhand?
The agitation for the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh has started. All the political parties
Violent demonstrations in many places in Bangladesh after the attack on Hindu temples
Violent clashes broke out between protesters and police in the capital Dhaka and Noakhali on Frid
The full Union Budget for the financial year 2024-25 was presented in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. F
International Yoga Day: Delhi was filled with yoga, from duty post to Red Fort... people did yoga.
Today the 10th World Yoga Day is being celebrated all over the world. Yoga programs are being org
The number of foreign terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir has increased. This was revealed
There is a buzz about the most anticipated movie of 2026, Ramayana. Ranbir Kapoor is playing the
Indian farmers are once again on the streets with their demands. Farmers want to talk to the gove
Joe Biden faces Impeachment Inquiry: The US President is in deep trouble after returning from the
North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has ordered the country's military drills to be expanded and wa
