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.
Vivo has launched its two flagship smartphones Vivo X60 and Vivo X60 Pro in the market. Currently
Apple launches MacBook Pro and MacBook Air in India, know prices and features
WWDC 2022: Apple launched several products at its annual event WWDC (World Wide Developers Confer
The Russia-Ukraine war, which has been going on for more than 4 months, continues. Russia's inten
After resigning from the post of Chief Minister of Delhi, today Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Co
In the last 24 hours, 13,313 new patients have been found in the country. During this 38 patients
Due to increasing cases, the weekend lockdown in Nashik, hotspots in Thane were closed till 31 March.
Due to rising cases of Corona, there will be a lockdown in Weekend in Nashik and many other restrict
India made significant contribution to WWI: Sushma Swaraj
New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said the First Wor
The campaigning has intensified before the polling on November 20 in Maharashtra. In this episode
Shahrukh Khan and his wife Gauri are going through a very difficult time and are very sad after t
The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization in India i.e. NTAGI will also prepare a com
