Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced strong disappointment over the West Indies’ failure to bring back Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Narine from international retirement for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Narine had retired from international cricket in 2023, while Pooran stepped away in 2025, though both players continue to feature prominently in global franchise T20 leagues. Ashwin believes their absence significantly weakens the West Indies’ World Cup challenge.
“I am very disappointed that the West Indies did not pick Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Narine in their squad for this World Cup,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“You need to sit across the table from them, talk to them, and bring them to the World Cup. How can you leave Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Narine out and go into a World Cup without them?” he added.
Ashwin Questions West Indies’ Planning and Vision
Ashwin, a self-professed admirer of West Indies cricket, said the Caribbean side continues to underperform not due to lack of talent, but because of flawed planning and long-term vision.
“I am a big fan of the West Indies. They have a lot of ability. But the way they plan and sometimes even the infrastructure in the West Indies leaves me with my mouth open,” he remarked.
“I think West Indies cricket has a high ceiling and huge potential, but they really need to re-look at the way they approach and plan for World Cups,” Ashwin added.
Mixed Form Since 2024 T20 World Cup
The two-time T20 World Cup champions have struggled for consistency since their Super Eight exit in the 2024 edition, recording more losses than wins across formats.
Since that tournament, the West Indies have managed just 14 wins from 43 matches, suffering 27 defeats, with two matches ending in no result.
Despite the poor numbers, Ashwin acknowledged that the team enters the 2026 World Cup with some positives—chief among them the evolution of captain Shai Hope into a more complete T20 batter.
The Windies have shown occasional flashes of the explosive batting and fighting spirit that once made them a dominant force in the shortest format, but have often fallen short in tight, high-pressure matches.
Group Stage Challenge Ahead
West Indies have been placed in Group C, alongside defending champions India, Nepal, Scotland, and Italy. They will kick off their campaign against Scotland on February 7 in Kolkata, a tough opening encounter given their recent form.
With Ashwin’s comments reigniting debate around selection policy and player management, pressure is likely to mount on West Indies Cricket to justify leaving out two of the most impactful T20 players of the modern era.