… just a few overseas weapons away from championship winning team

By Clifton Ross

THE Warriors (GAW) have been tinkering with their combination over the seasons and this year is no different, as the franchise smartly held onto their core group of local and regional players.

Given last year’s performances by the retained crew of players, Warriors are basically two or three international stars away from forming a dangerous squad for this season’s campaign.

Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd are the ‘Big 3’ for the Warriors, given their production not just in the CPL but in T20 generally.
They will be supported by Jamaican and Windies’ newest and dynamic Brandon King, who lit up the tournament last season with his hundred; along with the dangerous left-hander Nicholas Pooran.

Guyana Jaguars wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble will duly add support to the aforementioned players as he has proved his worth in the past.
The Warriors latest addition, rookie all-rounder Kevin Sinclair, was drafted as the Emerging Player for the franchise this year.

His debut with the Jaguars this season for the Regional 4-Day Tournament was a brilliant learning process for the young Berbician who could, if given the opportunity, be a hidden gem as his style of play is tailored-made for the T20 format.

All of the franchises have announced their retained players as they await the next round of the draft, the most important part – the selection of the international players.
Over the years GAW have relied on their local and regional players to do the lion’s share of the work.

Apart from Pakistan legend Shoaib Malik who has been outstanding as captain and player, Australian Brad Hodge has been in the past was been an excellent player and coach before retiring.

Other pieces came and went, James Franklin, Luke Ronchi, Cameron Delport, Chris Morris, and of recent Chris Green, who could possibly be a part of the tournament, should his bowling issues be rectified.

Pakistani Sohail Tanvir was a huge part of the squad last season in both departments while other lost diamonds like his countryman Babar Azam, who recently picked up an international ban, was once a part of the franchise.

It will be interesting to see which international stars throw their names into the selection pool, especially with COVID-19 having its say in restricting sports.
The CPL is currently on COVID-19 watch, as they await further word with regard to: should they call off the proposed August start to the tournament or will the green light be given once health conditions and safety guidelines are implemented.

More so, should the Warriors bag a few marquee players who either currently play or had solid international careers, thus adding extra firepower to the solid core they have retained; this season could be the year they break the Finals jinx and possibly win the title.
Chandrapaul Hemraj will need a strong international partner at the top of the order to go along with King who can float about the batting line.

GAW will definitely need some venom in the bowling department, so acquiring a genuine foreign pacer could be a smart move.

Rutherford and Shepherd have done great in their careers so far and are capable of holding their own. However, should Warriors have an international, who can take the pressure off when needed, that will balance the team.

It will be left to see who from the overseas world will be interested in playing, given all that is occurring and could occur in a month’s time.
The local franchise’s season will most certainly ride on the selection of the remaining spots to be filled by international players.

Securing experienced, healthy players with decent track records whether present or past, will create a stronger learning environment for the already budding talent the Warriors have chosen to stick with in their quest for their maiden title.