The West Indies have been a storehouse of T20 performers who can single-handedly win a game for their teams.
Some of the players’ performances in their ongoing India tour should make them hopeful of making a windfall at the IPL auction to be held in the city on Thursday. Just as the likes of Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard have done it in the past.
The Telegraph takes a look at the Windies players for whom the franchises could go all out in a bid to rope them in.
Shimron Hetmyer: The left-handed batsman’s ability to clear the fences was always known. Even in his last tour of India, in 2018, he was quite impressive in the shorter versions, hitting a century and a 90-odd in the ODI series. After going through a bit of a lean phase, Hetmyer has looked threatening right from the first game versus India (the opening T20I in Hyderabad) that culminated in his match-winning 106-ball 139 in Chennai on Sunday. Besides helping the Windies win the game, the innings also underlined Hetmyer’s composure and maturity, which he looks to have gained with time. The Royal Challengers Bangalore released him earlier, but looking at his mesmerising knock, it wouldn’t be surprising if they will be keen to get him back in their scheme of things. Other franchises too are bound to be interested in the 23-year-old.
Sheldon Cottrell: Termed as the Windies’ best bowler in the shorter versions over the past year, the left-arm pacer has proved his capability to adapt to conditions and bowl accordingly, making fine adjustments by altering his length. The T20I series and the first ODI against India have proved so. He can also very nicely take the pace off the ball. A franchise like the Kolkata Knight Riders must be following him and if they do get him, Cottrell’s trademark salutes could make him a crowd favourite at the Eden apart from strengthening the two-time champions’ bowling attack.
Kesrick Williams: The medium pacer has been in the news lately for his on-field battles with Virat Kohli. The India skipper did bash him up in the two T20Is in Hyderabad and Mumbai, but don’t forget, the latter did dismiss him once in the series. Like Cottrell, Williams too can take the pace off the ball and fox batsmen with his variations.
