Image Credit- BCCI
Despite his outstanding performance for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, Sunil Narine has declared that “that door is now closed” about his recall to the West Indies team for the next T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA.
After a stunning run of form that included his maiden T20 century last week against the Rajasthan Royals, where he scored an incredible 109 not out from 56 balls, Narine, 35, is presently leading the tournament’s MVP standings. Along with being KKR’s joint top wicket-taker, he has taken nine wickets at an economy rate of 7.10 with his offspin at 22.11.
Prior to what will be the West Indies’ first home World Cup campaign since 2007, that form prompted West Indies’ T20I captain, Rovman Powell, to confess he had been “whispering in [Narine’s] ears” for the preceding 12 months.
However, Narine announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2023. He had not represented the West Indies since 2019, and he stated he was not planning to reconsider his mind in a statement released by KKR.
“I’m truly flattered and humbled that my performances recently have moved many people to publicly express their wish for me to come out of retirement and play in the upcoming T20 World Cup,” Narine wrote.
“I have made peace with that decision and whilst I never wish to disappoint, that door is now closed and I will be supporting the guys who take the field in June for West Indies.
“Guys who have worked hard for the past few months and deserve to show our wonderful fans that they are capable of winning another title – I wish you all the best.”