West Indies white-ball Kieron Pollard questioned on the continued absence of Shimron Hetmyer from the squad stated he is looking forward to the player’s return, providing he does what is needed but assured that a player of Hetmyer’s calibre cannot be written off.
Over the weekend, was snapped up by Indian Premier League franchise, Rajasthan Royals for over US$1.1 million.
Pollard insists the team is nowhere close to being ready to give up on Hetmyer, despite the player’s recently well-documented struggles with fitness.
The 25-year-old batsman was left out of the West Indies’ previous series against Ireland and England and also failed to be included in the squad for the ongoing India tour. The issue stemmed from the fact that the player failed to achieve the basic fitness standards required to be eligible for selection.
It was not the first time Hetmyer had been plagued by the issue as he also failed to get a passing mark in 2020, ahead of the team’s tour of Sri Lanka, and then again later that same year during Sri Lanka’s tour of the West Indies.
The Windies skipper, however, backs the player to get things right in the near future.
“I think the coaches have spoken on their assessment of Shimron. I miss Shimron when he is not around. He is a young player and a superstar in his own right. He will get it right and get back to the West Indies squad pretty soon. I will be looking forward to having him,” Pollard told members of the media, ahead of the team’s first T20I against India on Wednesday.
“We know what he can do as an individual and he has a bright future. You can never write off a guy who is 25. My love for Shimron is paramount, and he knows that and we all know that. It is a matter of time for him to do all that is necessary to get back to the team. We will welcome him with open arms.” (SportsMax)