PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — New West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite says he has received a vote of confidence from former skipper Darren Sammy as the regional side prepares to play India in two T20 internationals this weekend in Florida.
Brathwaite was announced as the new captain shortly after Sammy disclosed through a Facebook post that he was dropped after leading West Indies to two World T20 titles.
The Barbadian all-rounder said support from Sammy and other senior members of the West Indies team is allowing him to make a smooth transition at the helm of the side.
“He gave me his blessing and as a senior guy appreciated it, which allowed me to ease into the role. It has allowed me to transition easier from just being told [about the captaincy] to the excitement of wanting to get on the field and lead,” said Brathwaite during a press conference after the fourth Test against India in Port of Spain.
“It was a good vote of confidence speaking to Sammy, then I saw him at a charity event, saw some of the senior guys as well, all have been telling me positive things.” The 28-year-old Bajan enjoyed his best moments during the World T20 final against England earlier this year.
With West Indies needing 19 runs off the last over, Brathwaite struck four successive sixes off Ben Stokes to take the side to their second T20 title. “I think a team like this will be pretty easy to lead, from the point of view that the dressing room is a fun place to be. I don’t think it’s a case where I have to negotiate too many egos,” he said.
“The guys enjoy each other’s company. It’s just a matter for me to go there, do the things that I can do, firstly as a player and then a captain, continue to mould the team that Darren has started to mould efficiently.”
The clash between the World T20 champions and their Indian rivals is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Central Broward Regional Park in the city of Fort Lauderdale in the American state of Florida.
The state recently hosted matches in the fourth edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which attracted large crowds as organisers continue to test the US market. “From all reports, CPL had a fantastic ovation and it was well received. And I hope this is the start of big things,” the new Windies T20 skipper pointed out.
“We are next-door neighbours and the US is a powerhouse, so let’s see how it goes. We are testing the waters a bit, hopefully it goes well and hopefully this is the first of many in the USA.”