Russell’s final plea to Sunil Narine: Windies will be happy if you play T20 World Cup
KKR and West Indies’ star all-rounder Andre Russell has revealed that he made one final plea to Sunil Narine to play the T20 World Cup 2024.
Narine, who has been in incredible form with both bat and ball in the Indian Premier League this season has opted out of the ICC tournament. Narine retired from international cricket in 2023 and in fact, last played a T20I for West Indies way back in 2019. Earlier, WI captain and RR batter Rovman Powell had revealed that he tried to convince Narine to play the World Cup, but his requests fell on deaf ears.
Speaking to Star Sports, Russell said that he was happy for Sunil Narine, who has had a mega impact for KKR this season. Russell credited the arrival of Gautam Gambhir for Narine’s impact and said that the mystery spinner was not used well in the earlier seasons by KKR.
“I am so happy for Sunil to be honest. I think when GG (Gautam Gambhir) came back, I think he said that we needed him (Narine) to open the batting. Batting him at No. 9 or No. 10, we really had no use of him in the backend. I think, given the opportunity, he has taken it and he is doing a good job as well for us. I think getting close to 500 runs is no joke while being a premier bowler. He has picked up 16 wickets as well. It just goes to show true all-roundership in him. I am very very happy for him,” Andre Russell told Star Sports after KKR stormed into the final by beating SRH.
“You know, GG giving him an opportunity as well. That’s a good decision for the team,” he further added.
Asked if Narine should play in the T20 World Cup as West Indies co-host the event, Russell said that he would like Narine to play in the ICC tournament. Russell revealed that for the last two weeks, he had whispering about the ICC tournament in Narine’s ears.
“I definitely think so (should Narine play T20 World Cup?). I was trying to get in his head before the squad was announced. For like two weeks straight, me and Rutherford kept talking to him and told him ‘hey please, just for this World Cup, then you can retire, do whatever you want to do’. I think he has made a decision and I respect his decision as well,” Russell said.
“If he could change the decision, the whole West Indies will be happy,” concluded the all-rounder.
Sunil Narine’s Statement on T20 World Cup 2024
KKR star Sunil Narine has firmly shut the door on making a retirement U-turn to come back for the West Indies ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup on April 23, Tuesday. The mystery spinner made a statement via his Instagram channel and had said that he was at peace with his decision.
“I hope this message finds you all well and in good health. I am truly flattered and humbled that my performances recently have moved many people to publicly express their wish for me to come out of retirement and play in the upcoming T20 World Cup.”
“I have made peace with that decision and whilst I never wish to disappoint, that door is now closed and I will be supporting the guys who take the field in June for West Indies. Guys who have worked hard over the past few months and deserve to show our wonderful fans that they are capable of winning another title. I wish you all the best,” said Narine.