The spotlight is on Sunil Narine as cricket enthusiasts speculate whether the red-hot performer will grace the T20 World Cup 2024 stage. Narine’s scorching form in the ongoing IPL 2024 has set tongues wagging, especially after his monumental century for Kolkata Knight Riders, marking the fourth-fastest in IPL history.
Notably, in a historic feat, Narine became the first player in IPL history to achieve a century, take a catch, and claim a wicket in a single game against Rajasthan Royals.
As the anticipation builds for the T20 World Cup slated to commence on June 1, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies, the question lingers if Narine will make a return to international cricket.
Having retired from international cricket and relinquished his captaincy for the West Indies T20Is in November 2023, Narine remains a subject of persuasion by West Indies skipper Rovman Powell. Powell has been persistent in his attempts to coax Narine out of retirement, seeking support from cricket stalwarts like Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, and Nicholas Pooran.
“For the last 12 months, I’ve been whispering in his [Narine’] ears, but he’s blocked out everyone,” Powell was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.
“I’ve asked [Kieron] Pollard, [Dwayne] Bravo, [Nicholas] Pooran. Hopefully, before they select the team, they can crack his code.”
Narine’s response to the retirement question post-match in IPL 2024 was cryptic yet suggestive of a potential return to the fold. “It is what it is, but let’s see what the future holds,” Narine remarked, leaving fans and selectors alike in anticipation.
Despite his stellar performances in franchise cricket, Narine’s T20I record as a batter paints a less stellar picture, with 155 runs from 51 matches at an average of 10. However, he is playing as an opener in IPL 2024.
As discussions continue and the selection process unfolds, the cricketing world eagerly awaits Narine’s decision regarding his potential participation in the T20 World Cup 2024, adding an intriguing layer of suspense to the upcoming tournament.
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