India’s selectors recently announced that they will Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Pateland Ravindra Jadeja Their 15-man squad will take part in the prestigious tournament, which is scheduled to begin on June 1 between the United States and the West Indies.
“I’m not surprised that India have chosen four spinners… that seems to be their strength,” Walsh told PTI on the sidelines of the launch of the Grand Cricket League.
“West Indies have selected three players of spin. It will be different conditions and everyone will have to balance the team,” added Walsh.
indian captain Rohit Sharma It was recently revealed that he prefers to field four spinners in the side, although he did not clearly state the rationale behind this decision. It was speculated that this could be due to a slow and sluggish West Indies wicket, or an unusually early start.
Walsh, a respected figure in cricket circles, believes India’s selection is in line with their potential challenge on the field. He further admitted that India have a quality pace bowling unit to complement their spin unit, which is indicative of a balanced approach to their bowling line-up.
“India still has quality fast bowlers, most teams do, so it will be a very competitive match. Most teams have quality fast bowlers and spinners.
“This (tournament) will probably be dominated by the bat. But it’s hard to predict who is going to win the match, it’s hard to predict which bowler is going to come out on top. Teams that execute well are going to be successful.”
With West Indies co-hosting the tournament, former captain Courtney Walsh is optimistic about the two-time champions’ prospects at the upcoming T20 World Cup this summer.
“I hope they do well. It’s a very balanced team and I’m very optimistic that they will play quality cricket. It’s not the easiest team to have but once we get to the Super Six If you are strong, you will have a very good opportunity.
Walsh himself was the first bowler to grace the cricket ground between 1984 and 2001 to achieve the historic milestone of 500 Test wickets. In his illustrious 17-year career, Walsh took a total of 519 scalps in 132 Tests.
Walsh teamed up with another legendary fast bowler, Curtley Ambrose, to form one of the most formidable and iconic pace bowling combinations in cricket history.
Remarkably, Walsh has had a relatively injury-free career, a testament to his superior skill, endurance and dedication to the game.
When asked what advice he would give to Boom, Walsh said, “Stay healthy and have fun. The more you play, the more experienced you will be.”
“It’s all about managing injuries. It’s going to help him get fitter, stronger, better. Only when you’re healthy enough can you play.”
West Indies must protect Sharma Joseph
Young pace star Joseph, who captured the attention of the cricketing world with his brilliance with the ball earlier this year, played a key role in West Indies bowling to their first Test victory in Australia in 27 years.
Amid the trend of Caribbean players participating in various T20 leagues around the world, Walsh stressed the importance of protecting 24-year-old Joseph to ensure the promising talent has a sustainable and prosperous career.
“The West Indies have to (protect him), he has to protect himself. When I watched his interviews, he has a very level head, which is very, very good. He loves the game, is passionate about the game .
“I think West Indies have to make sure they look after him. Keep him out of harm’s way long-term. It’s early days but I’m happy to see what he’s done.
“I know he hasn’t played many games in the IPL in India, but it will be helpful to come here and feel the atmosphere,” he added.
(With PTI input)
