WI squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021: Rutherford unfit, Shepherd just missed out on a spot, − says Chief Selector Roger Harper

By Brandon Corlette

Cricket West Indies Selection Panel has announced the West Indies squad for the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup, 2021. The panel named 15 players and 4 travelling reserves for the marquee event, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from October 17 to November 14, 2021.

Some astounding announcements were made, especially the non-selection of Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford, who have knocked down the selection doors with consistent Caribbean Premier League (CPL) performances.
Lead Selector Roger Harper had this to say: “The CPL, like any other tournament of that stature, gives us an indication of the level of performance of players and (their) readiness. It gives us the option to select players we think where spots are available in a situation like this,” Harper said.
When asked about Rutherford and Shepherd, who both had strong performances in the same CPL, Harper said: “Consideration was given for Romario, because he has been performing extremely well, and he just missed out on a spot. Rutherford finds himself in a different situation, as well as he is performing. He is one of a number of players that do not meet our fitness criteria, so he is not eligible for selection.

“The other players that failed to meet that fitness criteria are Odean Smith and Sunil Narine,” Harper revealed.
While attempting to clear the air on when Rutherford was tested, Harper said: “I cannot tell you when he was tested; I think the question is: When would Sherfane have made himself available to be tested? I can’t answer that question, you have to direct that question to our Sport Science Department.”

Gayle brings value
Despite his poor run of form, Harper said Chris Gayle would bring value to the West Indies team. “Of course, present form is important and performance is keen, but I think as well we look at the pedigree of the player, we look at what the player brings to the team; and in Chris Gayle’s case, all that was taken into consideration, and what he can offer, whether him being part of that squad would make it stronger.
“The Selection Panel, having taken everything into consideration, thinks that Gayle brings value to the team, and thus he has been included in the squad,” Harper said.

Rampaul brings experience
Some players have been given exemption when it comes to the fitness test. The 36-year -old Ravi Rampaul is a highly experienced bowler, who performed well in the last CG Insurance Super50 Cup and is so doing in the current Hero CPL to date. He will boost the team’s wicket-taking options in the power-play and the middle phase, and will provide another option for the death overs, according to Harper.

Chase will add balance to the heavy left-handed batting order
“Roston Chase has shown that he is a very capable T20 player. He performed well in the CPL in 2020, and has been outstanding in the 2021 edition so far. He has shown the ability to knit the innings together while still scoring at a fast rate with a low dot-ball percentage. He will be an excellent foil for the explosive players in the team.”
Based on what Lead Selector Harper is saying, Chase is tipped to play the anchor role in a T20 team that is stacked with power-hitters.
In the last T20 home series, Hetmyer was tasked with playing the anchor role. However, Harper believes that Hetmyer and Chase are not competing for the same role.

Darren the best option
The elegant Darren Bravo, a man who has been lacking impact with the bat of late, has made the reserve list, which was a surprise to many.
“Again, we looked at the batsmen that were available to choose from, and what they would bring to the team. We thought Darren Bravo would be the best option as our reserve player in that situation,” Harper revealed.