Former Indian Opener Virender Sehwag lambasted West Indies after they failed to qualify for the ODI World Cup later this year in India, whereas another Indian opener Gautam Gambhir believes that the Men in Maroon still become the No.1 team in World Cricket.
The two-time Champions West Indies will not feature in the ODI World Cup for the first time in 48 years, since the launch of the marquee event back in 1975. On Saturday, West Indies suffered a humiliating defeat by seven wickets to Scotland in a Super Six match of the qualifier, to crash out of the race to qualify for the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India.
“What a shame. West Indies fail to qualify for the World Cup. Just shows talent alone isn’t enough, needs focus and good man management, free from politics. The only solace is there isn’t further low to sink from here,” tweeted Virender Sehwag.
Gambhir wrote, “I love West Indies. I love West Indian cricket. I still believe they can be the No.1 team in world cricket.”
The Men in Maroon lost a close game against the Netherlands in the Super Over before losing to the home team Zimbabwe. West Indies team will look to start rebuilding their team starting from the India series on home soil starting on June 12.
Caribbean Cricket Has Officially Hit Rock Bottom – Wasim Jaffer
Punjab Kings batting coach Wasim Jaffer feels that the Caribbean Cricket has hit rock bottom in cricket after failing to qualify for the marquee event in the country and Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra isn’t surprised by their performance in the World Cup qualifier as he believes that West Indies cricket standard has fallen in recent times.
“Such a shame that West Indies won’t be there at the World Cup… Caribbean cricket has officially hit rock bottom. But when you hit rock bottom, the only way is up,” Wasim Jaffer tweeted.
“West Indies are out of the World Cup. Even though it isn’t surprising…given how their standards have fallen in the last few years…it’s still a little disappointing to see the erstwhile champions of cricket become a spectator for a world event. Change is the only constant!!!” Aakash Chopra tweeted.
West Indies team has struggled in recent years, as they could not perform well in the bilateral series and ICC events, as the two-time T20 champions failed to qualify for the Super 12 of the 2022 T20 World Cup and the team is finally out of the World Cup race in India.