'For last 12 months I have been whispering in Sunil's ear': Rovman Powell hints at Narine's inclusion in T20 World Cup squad despite latter's reluctance

Arun Rawal

• Wed • 17 Apr 2024

Rajasthan Royals' Rovman Powell talking to the broadcasters (Screengrab: X)

Highlights:

Rovman Powell contributed with a much-needed cameo in the run chase.

Powell wants Sunil Narine to take back his retirement and play in T20 World Cup 2024.

On being asked whether Veteran Caribbean all-rounder Sunil Narine was at his attacking best against Rajasthan Royals (RR) as he smashed his maiden T20 ton. Narine’s 109-run knock went in vain as Jos Buttler scored his second century of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 but it left West Indies T20I captain Rovman Powell impressed. After smashing Narine for two sixes and a four in the joint-highest successful run chase in IPL history, Powell revealed that he has been requesting the all-rounder to come out of retirement and play for the two-time T20 World Champion.

“For my last 12 months I have been whispering in Sunil's ear but he has blocked out everyone. I have asked his best friends Pollard, Bravo and Pooran and hopefully they will crack his code before they select the team,” Powell told the broadcasters after RR’s two-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Powell wanted to target KKR’s best bowler

Powell also revealed that he had a plan to take on Narine all along. He contributed with a 13-ball 26 cameo in the seventh-wicket partnership with Buttler. The unorthodox spinner had conceded just 14 runs in his first three overs.

“The emotions is all over the place, anytime you can chase 220 it is a good game of cricket. When I came into the game, I had a plan to take on Sunil because he is their best bowler and that situation was such that I had to go after him, so I backed my strength and backed my options and it came off today,” he said.

ALSO READ: 'It's good that it happened now...': Shreyas Iyer's KKR humbled as Jos Buttler steals Sunil Narine's thunder with 7th IPL ton

Powell happy with communication

RR registered their sixth win from seven games and are sitting pretty at the top of the points table. Powell said that he is happy with the communication from the team management.

“The morale in the team is very good, even when I am not playing the communication has been very good and as an international player, I really appreciate when the communication is precise and clear. The guys are in good space and long may that continue,” he added.

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