West Indies T20I captain Rovman Powell has called on his players to use their upcoming time off to review their approach to the game after suffering a humiliating 80-run defeat to Bangladesh in the third T20I at the Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent on Thursday. The loss completed a 3-0 series sweep for Bangladesh and capped off a disappointing year for the West Indies T20I side.
Powell, speaking after the match, was candid in his assessment of the team’s performance, pointing out recurring issues that have plagued them throughout the year.
“I think in the middle overs we bowled really well,” Powell noted. “We didn’t control the power plays as we wanted, and we didn’t execute in the back end. Losing wickets in clusters—if we keep losing wickets in the first and second over of the power play, we’re always going to find ourselves behind the game.
“It has happened to us in the last eight or so T20I games,” he continued. “It’s something that we have some time to rectify now.”
With the West Indies T20I team not set to regroup until mid-2025, Powell believes the extended break offers players an opportunity to analyze their performances and address weaknesses, particularly in the batting department.
“Guys have an opportunity to actually look at their game, review their game, and see the mistakes we have made as a batting group during 2024,” he said. “Hopefully, in 2025, those little mistakes will be corrected.”
Powell expressed disappointment not only with the series but also with how the team’s form has deteriorated over the course of 2024.
“My first full year as the captain—I started out really well, moving the team from ninth position to fourth in the world,” he said. “But it’s disappointing to see the last few series falling off here just a bit. When a team is falling away, you can sense it. It’s something for us to rectify in 2025.”
Despite the setbacks, Powell acknowledged the effort his players have put in throughout the year and expressed gratitude to the team’s supporters.
“I wouldn’t say that, you know—thanks to the boys for the effort they have given us throughout 2024 and to all the fans around the Caribbean, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” he concluded.
Powell also praised Bangladesh for their impressive performance, particularly after their struggles in the preceding 50-over series.
“They have been fantastic,” he said. “To come to the Caribbean after a disappointing 50-over series and to come against a good T20I team, all the credit goes to them. I wish them safe travels as well.”The West Indies T20I team faces a long road to recovery, but Powell remains optimistic that the break will allow the team to regroup and return stronger in 2025. As the players take time to reflect and refine their game, fans across the region will hope for a brighter future for West Indies cricket.