Gayle wary of Indian backlash

T20 disappointment will spur them on: WI skipper

 West Indies not only beat India in the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup but also laid bare their frailty against rising deliveries which was exploited well by England.
Gayle believes the side under Mahendra Singh Dhoni, however depleted, would seek to settle scores in the four-match series starting here on Friday.

“We have a big game on Friday against India. We’re all looking forward to it,” Gayle said. “India is always a good one-day team and they will be looking to beat us based on their Twenty20 disappointment.

“So it’s not a situation where we will say it’s a walkover. It’s never a walkover against India,” he added.

Having led the side to the semifinals of the Twenty20 World Cup, Gayle said he was happy with the support from all quarters.

“The support has been brilliant. The guys gave me their full support and I gave them the same sort of support and respect which they deserve. It’s been enjoyable.

“Captaining the West Indies has done a lot for me individually and I’m really happy and grateful to be captaining West Indies and the entire region,” Gayle said.

“It’s a privilege and hopefully I can continue from strength to strength and give everyone something to cheer about. Hopefully we can wrap up this series and am looking forward for a lot of things,” Gayle said.

Dyson’s warning

The visitors may be short on star power but West Indies will do well not to underestimate the lesser known Indian cricketers, coach of the home side John Dyson said.

“We always look at the opposition and try and determine who the key players are for the opposition and think of ways that we may combat those key players.

“What we don’t know, of course, is from the lower-profile players, how they are going to perform and perform consistently throughout a series. So that’s something we have to monitor as the series progresses.”

Dyson arrived in Jamaica on Tuesday with six other West Indies players, including Trinidadian Darren Bravo, Dwayne’s brother, and the coach felt the youngster stood a good chance in the series.

“If you look at the possible side that could walk out on the field, we have an extra batsman, we have an all-rounder who is also a very good batsman, normal pace and reserved pace which is good and spinner. Hopefully, Gayle will be providing back-up spin to him,” he said.

Dyson, however, said the outcome of the series will depend on the how the pitches played.

“It depends on the sort of wickets we’re playing on, on the conditions of the day, and the form our own players are in, and the opposition players are in.