Published: Mar 31, 2016, 08:51 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 31, 2016, 11:04 AM (IST)
India will play the 2nd semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2016 against West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In a match that is promised to be ‘ a hell of a game’ according to West Indies Captain Darren Sammy, all eyes will be on probably the two biggest players in the T20 format of the game currently. One has all the shots in his textbook and backs himself to win matches for his team, and the other can destroy any opposition on his day. Yes, Virat Kohli will be India’s man to watch out for against West Indies but the giant-looking 6 feet 2 inch Chris Gayle could well be the most influential player with the bat too. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs West Indies , Live Score, 2nd Semi-Final match, ICC T20 World Cup 2016
A large-hearted and straight-forward person in life, who loves to use his brutal force and strength against bowlers, Gayle stands as a roadblock between India and the T20 World Cup Final. After scoring a century in his team’s first match of the tournament Gayle has come out to bat only once and then too, he was dismissed for just 4. The Caribbean’s though, haven’t relied so heavily on him in the competition. There have been other individual performances for them that have been crucial at times and guided them towards victory.
Andre Fletcher’s knock against Sri Lanka, scoring 64-ball 84 was one of them. Marlon Samuels’s show of resistance against a tough opposition in South Africa was another performance that stood out for the West Indies. India on their home turf, will be an entirely different challenge for the Windies. This time they’ll be heavily relying on Gayle. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2016: Darren Sammy ready for a ‘David vs Goliath’ like fight against India
Darren Sammy’s confidence on the big man speaks for itself. ”Have you ever heard of Chris Gayle?” was what he said when asked about how much of an impact India’s star batsman Virat Kohli will have. Gayle however, has the potential to take the game away from India thick and fast. West Indies would be counting on Gayle’s experience of playing in the IPL which has certainly made him more sensible and dangerous. IPL has surely been advantageous for India, considering it has given them ample opportunities to bowl to Gayle. Indian bowlers have the know abouts about Gayle and the experience has been bleak. Ashwin though could be Dhoni’s first attack on Gayle as the West Indies opener has struggled against him.
To say that West Indies are nothing without Gayle, would be the same as saying India is nothing without Kohli. As the legend Sachin Tendulkar always pointed out Cricket is a team game and will continue to be such. Both teams will need a lot more than individual brilliance to book a place in the finals of the World T20.
(Karan Dewan, a reporter with CricketCountry, loves following and playing sports. He is a Team India fan and loves winning. Follow him on his twitter handle @karan13dewan)
