MUMBAI, India, CMC-West Indies allrounder Darren Sammy says the absence of talismanic opener Chris Gayle should not jolt the confidence of the Caribbean side as they prepare to battle India in a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series.
Gayle, who has been struggling with a lower-back injury and had missed the final Test against Bangladesh last month, will miss the limited-overs leg of the India tour as well.
The first ODI takes place in Kochi on Wednesday.
“The last time we played India Chris got injured in the first game and we played the series without him and we won the second match and it ended two one,” said Sammy, the former skipper.
“But you always gonna miss Chris in any team but we not gonna let it be a negative towards us”.
Gayle, who had a reasonable home summer in the Tests, with three half-centuries in four games, has not played competitive cricket since the first Test against Bangladesh earlier this month.
He is however predicting a return to fitness in time for the Tests in India starting October 30.
“It is another opportunity for someone else to come out and showcase their talent,” said Sammy in reference to Gayle’s absence.
“The team will go out there with the confidence knowing that we can still compete and do well and win matches against India and it will be good to do so before the world cup”.
Sammy said the West Indies players are focussed on what is expected to be a competitive five-match One-Day International Series against India.
He reveals that it was exciting for the players to have legend Sir Curtly Ambrose as Bowling Consultant with the team.
“For me being in the same dressing room as Ambrose my childhood hero is a massive plus,” he said.
“I would want to go out and try and pick his brain, impress him and I think that in itself is motivation for the dressing room and that’s what’s been happening”.
