CLT20: Narine will get over this in a positive way, says coach Stuart Williams

Even before the West Indies could think of ways to improve their poor record in India in ODIs and Test cricket, they find themselves with their backs to the wall.


Stuart Williams

They won an ODI series here more than a decade ago. Their Test record is even worse, with their last series victory coming way back in 1983. Their hopes of turning on the heat against India rest heavily on two players - swashbuckling opener Chris Gayle and off-spinner Sunil Narine.

Gayle doubtful
Gayle has been ruled out of the five-match ODI series starting October 8 and one T20, but is hoping to be fit for the three-Test series.

Off-spinner Narine received a huge setback when he was reported for suspect illegal action during Kolkata Knight Riders' 36-run win over Dolphins in the ongoing Champions League T20 on Monday.


West Indies players play football at the Brabourne Stadium yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble

Although the warning will have no bearing on his international participation, as it was issued in a CLT20 game, there is no doubt that the 26-year-old will be under tremendous pressure with every delivery being scrutinised.

Narine is arguably the biggest threat to Indian batsmen. Over the last four years, he has been instrumental in Kolkata Knight Riders winning two Indian Premier League titles in three years.


Sunil Narine

However, West Indies coach Stuart Williams is confident that Narine will remain unaffected.

"We haven't spoken to Sunil yet. He, obviously, is a champion. He is a strong character. The captain (Dwayne Bravo) is also playing for Chennai (Super Kings), so we haven't sat down and spoken about it yet.

"We are still waiting for a couple of days to have a chat. I think he will get over this in a positive way," Williams told reporters in their first interaction after the team touched down in the city on Tuesday. The West Indies will play two warm-up games in Mumbai before kicking off their limited overs campaign.