IND v WI 2019: West Indies should focus on emerging as a better side, says Brian Lara

Lara hails Pollard's appointment as West Indies' white-ball captain.

Pollard to lead young WI side in India | Getty Images

Ahead of West Indies’ tour opener T20 International against India on Friday, December 6, in Hyderabad, legend Brian Lara suggests the visitors should target on becoming an improved outfit by the end of the limited-overs series, saying it’s not necessary to win much in India.

As India and West Indies are set to lock horns in the three-match T20I series, the Men in Blue are overwhelming favourites to emerge winners, given their recent form. And Lara also admitted that playing against India in India is always a tough proposition, hence, Kieron Pollard and his team should focus on becoming a better team by the end of the series.

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However, the legendary cricketer hopes that the West Indies would put up a good show in the limited-overs series against India, saying a lot of teams around the world are scared of the current World T20 champions in the shortest format of the game.

Lara told reporters in Mumbai during a charity event, “...he (Pollard) will have to build a team...playing against India in India is always a tough proposition and he must leave here not necessarily winning but he must leave here a better team after this tournament.”

He continued, “The West Indies are twice (T20 world) champions and a lot of opposition around the world are scared of West Indies in shortest format of the game.”

Backing Pollard’s appointment as Windies captain for the limited-overs format, the legendary batsman said he has earned a lot of respect playing across the globe and his T20 experience would be only helpful for the national side.

The 50-year-old explained, “Over a period of time, his representation for West Indies may not be a lot but he has played all around the World in different leagues. He has gained a lot of respect from the opposition. I didn’t see it as a bad decision (to appoint him as a captain).”

Lara signed off by saying, “He (Pollard) has easily gained the respect of his team-mates and he can move forward. There is a (T20) World Cup in under 12 months and you are looking for the right person, someone who can keep the ground running. He has that experience to do so. It is a good decision, but it is still going to be an uphill battle.”

(With PTI Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 06 Dec, 2019

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