When it comes to the T20 format, the Calypso Kings happen to have some of the most devastating players in the world. Franchises from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL) and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) to name a few are always on the looking to bring in West Indian talent as they have shown over the years that the T20 format is their favourite format to play.
Should IPL Stars Gayle And Bravo Play T20 World Cup?
The West Indies have won two T20 World Cups (2012 and 2016) and are very keen on bringing another one home in 2020. The T20 World Cup will take place in Australia and will commence in October. The West Indies will want to send all of their top players down under provided they are fit and in form.
When it comes to T20 superstars it does not get any bigger for the West Indies than Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo. However, both of them have had very little cricket in recent times to impress the selectors and push for a place in the T20 World Cup squad. The selectors will definitely look at both of them based on their reputation, experience and past accomplishments.
However, it will be their current performance that will determine whether the selectors decide to take a chance and book them on the plane to Australia or if they take a call and omit them.
Gayle And Bravo Need Good IPL Season
West Indian great Brian Charles Lara said that it was important for both Gayle and Bravo to have an impressive season in the 2020 IPL to send a strong message to the selectors. There is a 5 month gap between the IPL and the 2020 World Cup but if these two veterans could put in a consistent performance in the IPL, it would go a long way in convincing the selectors that they are still good enough to play for the West Indies at the highest level.
However, the on-going concerns of the corona virus have forced the BCCI to postpone the IPL for now. There are talks that the BCCI will most likely hold a truncated IPL season provided things start to improve in the coming days. If things go well, the IPL could commence from April 15 and finish with a grand final no later than June 5.
Gayle and Bravo have been iconic players for their respective IPL franchises for close to a decade.
Chris Gayle:
The Universe Boss is no longer as fit as he used to be and is near the end of his cricketing career given the fact that he is now 40 years old. He knows very clearly how important it is for him to have a good IPL. Gayle has had to overcome a dip in form as well as a number of injuries in recent months that has prevented him from playing a lot of international cricket.
However, he has kept himself busy in recent weeks playing for BPL and the Mzansi Super League (MSL). If Gayle does not get selected for the T20 World Cup, it could very well push him to announce his retirement from international cricket.
Dwayne Bravo:
Lost 3 years of his international cricketing career due to being at loggerheads with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). The dynamic all-rounder has finally managed to work things out with the WICB and made his return to the T20 side earlier this year playing series against Ireland and Sri Lanka.
Bravo does have a better chance of making the T20 World Cup squad than Gayle given his fitness and ability to deliver with both bat and ball. However, a good IPL will seal a place for Bravo and also give him the confidence of playing at the highest level once again!
