Former skipper Chris Gayle has been left out of the West Indies squad to face India in the Twenty 20 clash and two opening one-dayers in a continuing stand-off with selectors. Gayle remains out of favour with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) after he was dropped for the recent home series against Pakistan, a decision which left him free to play in the entire IPL with Bangalore.
Despite Gayle finishing the tournament as the leading run-getter, the WICB said in a statement that the big-hitting batsman will not be recalled until he explains comments he gave in a radio interview in which he lambasted selectors.
“Chris Gayle will not be considered for selection to the West Indies team before an intended meeting with himself, the selection committee, the WICB management and the West Indies team management,” a WICB statement said.
“The selection committee views this meeting as necessary as a result of Gayle’s comments in a widely publicised radio interview in Jamaica.” All-rounder Kieron Pollard has been recalled for the first two ODIs, while fast bowler Kemar Roach has been rested. Uncapped Jamaican left-arm seamer Krishmar Santokie is the only change in the T20 squad which defeated Pakistan in St Lucia in April. Twenty20 squad:
Darren Sammy (capt), Lendl Simmons, Andre Fletcher (wkt), Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Danza Hyatt, Christopher Barnwell, Andre Russell, Ashley Nurse, Devendra Bishoo, Ravi Rampaul, Krishmar Santokie
Squad for first two ODIs: Darren Sammy (capt), Lendl Simmons, Kirk Edwards, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Carlton Baugh (wkt), Andre Russell, Anthony Martin, Devendra Bishoo, Ravi Rampaul.
