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.
The rupee strengthened by 26 paise to 81.67 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday due
Vizag gas leak update: Home Ministry's clarification on gas leakage again, told technical leak
Visakhapatnam. The Ministry of Home Affairs has once again clarified the news of gas leaking in t
Small and marginal farmers benefit most from agricultural reforms: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said amid the farmers' movement that small and marginal farmers will
The second wave of Corona in the country is beginning to wreak havoc. With the new cases in the p
No incursions, only transgressions by China: Parrikar
New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANS) There have been no "incursions" by China into Indian territory, the go
Modi wishes Omar Abdullah on birthday
New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wished former Jammu and Kashm
Petrol Diesel Price: Oil companies have released the prices of petrol and diesel for today. Even
The terrorist attack on America's World Trade Center completed 21 years on Sunday. 2 thousand 977
The Indian team created history by defeating South Africa in Cape Town. With this victory, he dre
The much-awaited Harley-Davidson X440 motorcycle has finally been launched in India and also made
