The effervescent and colourful flavours of the Caribbean are clearly on display in the IPL with the deeds of the cavalier Chris Gayle and mystery spinner Sunil Narine. With 432 runs so far, Gayle owns the Orange Cap while Narine with 14 wickets tops the bowling charts. The Calypso Kings have left an indelible mark in batting, bowling, fielding and are enjoying special status for their respective franchises. It would be wise to remember that West Indies are World Twenty20 champions!
They have a rich history but the magic seems to have disappeared with other countries like Australia, South Africa, England and India dominating the game. Known for their aggressive style of play, West Indies players were destructive and strokeful. Their bowling, particularly their pacers, were menacing.
Ever since Gayle switched from Kolkata Knight Riders, he has taken the tournament by storm. His recent batting exploit against Pune Warriors where he shattered a plethora of records.
But quietly making his presence is an other West Indian, Ravi Rampaul who has played a huge part with the ball for RCB. He is fast and accurate enough to trouble batsmen. Hence RCB are now perched at the top of the table .
Narine is continuing his fairytale run for KKR. After a successful IPL-5 in which he guided the team to a title triumph, the West Indian spinner has been mesmerising. But, despite his heroic performances, KKR are in the bottom half of the table.
The presence of Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Smith in Mumbai Indians has given tremendous boost to the team. Pollard is a solid bat and more than a utility bowler. Additionally, his fielding has lifted the team. Smith came up with an explosive knock against KKR earning the Man of the Match award.
Dwayne Bravo has been a consistent performer for Chennai Super Kings. His all-round abilities have made him an important member of the Chennai team. CSK also inducted Jason Holder who has done quite well.
West Indian skipper Darren Sammy is the lone Caribbean player in Sunrisers Hyderabad and has played only one match. However, there are a few who have not made much of an impression so far. Pune Warriors’ Marlon Samuels was unimpressive in his two outings with the bat and will return home due to injury. Rajasthan Royals have as many as three West Indians and Kevon Cooper has taken nine wickets from six matches. Spinner Samuel Badree has played only one match while Fidel Edwards has played none.
Delhi Daredevils’ Andre Russell has made little impact in three matches so far. Uniquely, Kings XI Punjab is the only team that doesn’t have a single West Indies player in their squad.