Two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain Darren Sammy made a bold statement after becoming West Indies’ white-ball captain. Sammy made it clear that the door for senior players is open after he had conversations with them. He said in the first press conference as West Indies white-ball coach that “everyone who plays regional is available or is indicating that they're available for West Indies selection”.
Russell's reaction
Reacting positively to Sammy’s call, Russell posted on his Instagram story on May 28, “Yes coach Sammy am always fully ready to represent the lovely people of the Caribbean just say the world [word) and am here for the maroon”.
Russell made his last T20I appearance for West Indies in T20 World Cup 2021 where the defending champions crashed out at the group stage. In the following edition of T20 World Cup in Australia, Nicholas Pooran-led West Indies side could not get past the qualifiers as they lost to associate nations. In his last T20I appearance, Russell contributed with a cameo of 7-ball 18 against Aaron Finch-led Australia which went on to win the trophy.
After getting snubbed from T20Is, Russell has been playing in T10 and T20 leagues across the world. There were questions around his fitness but Russell was seen batting and bowling for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
Sammy's conversation with West Indies' other T20 stars
Similar to Russell, Sammy has had conversations with Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis and Sunil Narine as well. Hetmyer and Narine represented their respective franchises in IPL 2023. Narine is currently playing for Sam Curran-led Surrey in England's T20 Blast 2023. Last year, Hetmyer was ruled out of T20 World Cup 2022 as he missed a rescheduled flight to Australia.
"I've had conversations with both Hetty [Shimron Hetmyer] and Evin Lewis. Having played not too long ago and understanding the complaints of players - and the lack thereof of communication - I think it's important for us to communicate. It sounds simple but I understand that just clear communication makes the process better and it gives you a better understanding. So, yes, I've had in-depth conversations with Shimron and Evin Lewis about their mindset, their plans, and where they see West Indies cricket in line with themselves in [it],” Sammy told the reporters in the press conference.
"I must tell you that the feedback has been positive and I've also reached out to guys like Andre Russell. I've reached out to Sunil Narine and all these guys, too, to hear what their thoughts are. Because they still take part in some of our domestic competitions. But it takes honest and mature conversations, which is one I'm not afraid to have with the players. I'm encouraged by the discussions that we've had when it comes to West Indies cricket, outlining clear plans as to how we reintegrate because these players….look at the caliber of Shimron…I'm sure it hurts fans to see him perform elsewhere and not in the maroon," the 39-year-old added.
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