T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies have all the elements to lift the World T20 title for the third time. Top reasons why West Indies is firm favourite to lift the cup?
West Indies are the most successful team in World T20 history as they have won two titles, the most by any side. However, West Indies have faced humiliation in the last two ICC tournaments. They didn’t even qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup, while in 2022 World T20, they were knocked out in the first round itself. Hence, they would be eyeing redemption in the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite their unconvincing win over Papua New Guinea in their 2024 World T20 opener, West Indies remain firm favourites to lift their third title.
West Indies have form on their side
Since their 2022 World T20 disaster, West Indies have done well in the shortest format, winning 12 matches and losing 7 out of 19 games. But most importantly, they have been unbeaten in all bilateral series except one since the 2022 World T20. They have beaten India, England and South Africa in bilateral series, losing only to Australia. They blanked out South Africa 3-0 late in May at home. Most of these wins have come when they were missing their star players like Andre Russell due to their commitments to franchise cricket. On current form, West Indies are on a roll, having been on a five-match winning streak since February.
West Indies are a young bunch with great T20 players
Since the 2022 World T20 disaster, West Indies have stuck with a core group of young players with a mix of experience to eye redemption in the current edition. They have avoided experimentation and given players a longer run to prove their worth. The result is that the West Indies have a stable group of players who can take down any opponent on their day. And a secured group of players can be extremely dangerous in World T20 as they can go all out to destroy the opponents on their path to glory.
A group of highly skilled T20 players
Their Test or ODI sides might not be shining bright, but West Indies in T20 cricket cannot be taken lightly. They boast of some of the fiercest big hitters in Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell who are successful in the extremely competitive IPL. They have proven their worth in the IPL and have been great assets for their team. Hence, these players who have just finished their IPL campaign are battle ready to ensure another World Cup glory for their nation.
Besides, most of these West Indies stars play in other popular franchise cricket tournaments such as CPL, MLC and BBL, across the globe. And hence, they know this format inside-out, playing for various teams across the cricketing world. Moreover, they are always in-form and ready to take guard in this format. Besides, these West Indies players also need not worry about technique or change of mindset to play various forms of cricket as these bunch of players focus mostly on the shortest format. Hence, they are much more focused and have better clarity compared to cricketers who play multiple formats.
Team combination
A look at the West Indies squad for the 2024 World T20 could invite envy as they boast of some of the best T20 players in the cricketing world. Pooran, Russell, Hetmyer and Powell can blast out opposition with their big hitting. Russell, with his bowling prowess, adds another important element to the West Indies XI. Their pace battery comprising Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Obed McCoy, Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder is competent in the shortest format. Their spinners do not get due credit, but Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie can be quite a handful in the spin friendly conditions of West Indies. Hence, West Indies have a great mix of T20 players who can run away with the title on their day.
Playing at home
The biggest reason why West Indies are favourites to lift their third title is their home conditions. They are playing all matches in the league phase at home, while the Super Eights and the knockouts are also being held in the Caribbean. Hence, West Indies can exploit their home conditions as they have played all their life on such pitches.
Darren Sammy as coach
Darren Sammy has led West Indies to both their World T20 titles in 2012 and 2016. He showed great leadership, marshalling a squad full of stars and talented young cricketers. This time, Sammy has donned the coach’s role and he could pass on his valuable tips and lessons to go all the way in this tournament as he has himself done before as captain twice. Sammy could inspire this young bunch of players to another World T20 glory.
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