West Indies Aim to Redeem Themselves in T20 World Cup

After two disappointing T20 World Cups, West Indies are determined to redeem themselves in this year's edition, which they co-host. Nicholas Pooran, the former captain, believes the squad is hungry to recapture the glory they experienced when they won the title in 2012 and 2016.

"We want to get that special feeling we had when we won those two T20 World Cups," Pooran said. "Everybody wants to be a part of that winning feeling. Doing it in front of our fans is even more special."

Despite their recent struggles, Pooran is confident that the team has grown and matured since their disappointing performance in Australia last year. "We all have grown as players, as team-mates as well," he said. "We are much better players as well. Most of our guys that play franchise cricket, they understand what is needed to be a professional as well."

Pooran was impressed with the team's performance in the recent T20I series against South Africa, which they won 3-0 despite the absence of several senior players. "You saw the performances, you saw that guys are fighting and that's really important," he said. "We may win, we may not win, but what's more important for me, as a senior player as well, is that we need to give it 100% on and off the field."

West Indies have a formidable batting lineup, with Pooran, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd all capable of match-winning performances. Russell, in particular, is in top form after helping Kolkata Knight Riders win the IPL title.

"He's a winner. He wins T20 games," Pooran said of Russell. "He wins tournaments and whenever you have that experience in the dressing room, it helps a lot, especially in a World Cup. Experience is key."

Pooran also highlighted the presence of other match-winners in the team, such as Powell, Hetmyer, Rutherford, and Shepherd. "We have numerous match-winners on our team," he said. "That's what you want."

With the tournament being played in their own backyard, West Indies will be eager to make a statement and prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with in T20 cricket.

Tags: #WestIndies, #T20WorldCup, #NicholasPooran, #AndreRussell, #RovmanPowell