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.
Controversy has arisen over a statement by superstar Amitabh Bachchan amidst the ongoing controve
Mahayuti got a great victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections. However, even after more than
PM Modi said on Buddha Purnima, learning of Lord Buddha even more relevant in the current situation
New Delhi On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the people th
Bigg Boss OTT 2: Social media influencer Prakash Kumar aka Puneet Superstar is upset with the mak
England finish campaign with win over Afghanistan
Sydney, March 13 (IANS) England defeated debutants Afghanistan by nine wickets via the Duckwort
On the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, a tense situation was seen in Mangaluru, Karnataka. Vishwa
Modi meets ministers holding independent charge
New Delhi, March 31 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met ministers of state with
Corona virus: PM Modi set an example in front of the world in dealing with pandemic
Prior to the year 1914, no visa, passport was required to go to Europe, America and their colonie
China alleged on Tuesday that the satellites of Elon Musk's company SpaceX have come twice near o
Police have traced a man who threatened to kill Bollywood superstar Salman Khan from Vadodara dis
