Ace spinner Gudakesh Motie dropped from T20 squad for ‘dip in form’

Guyanese left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been excluded from the West Indies’ 15-man squad for the upcoming five-match T20 series against New Zealand, scheduled from November 5-12. The decision, announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on November 2, stems from Motie’s recent dip in form, attributed to technical issues with his bowling action. Despite this setback, the 30-year-old spinner remains a key part of West Indies’ long-term plans, particularly with the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka on the horizon. Motie will now collaborate with specialists from the Royal Sports Group, owners of the South African franchise Paarl Royals, as he prepares to compete in the SA20 tournament starting December 26. CWI emphasized that this move is crucial for Motie to regain his peak performance. Since his T20 debut in 2021, Motie has played 85 matches across formats, taking 36 T20 wickets at an economy of 7.96. His recent performances, including a solitary over in the T20 series against Bangladesh, where he conceded 11 runs, have been underwhelming. In the preceding ODI series against Bangladesh, Motie managed four wickets at an economy of 5.79, but the West Indies lost the series 2-1. The West Indies squad will also miss injured left-arm pacers Jediah Blades and Ramon Simmonds, while Guyanese quick Shamar Joseph remains sidelined. The team, led by wicket-keeper/batsman Shai Hope, includes notable names like Roston Chase, Jason Holder, and Rovman Powell. Trinidadian spinners Akeal Hosein and Khary Pierre are expected to lead the spin-bowling department in Motie’s absence, with allrounders Matthew Forde and Shamar Springer bolstering the pace attack. Romario Shepherd, who recently won the Player of the Series award in the T20 sweep over Bangladesh, will spearhead the pace lineup. The West Indies camp will also benefit from the addition of clinical psychologist Krisnan Hurdle, who joins as a mental skills and performance coach. CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe highlighted the importance of mental strength in elite cricket, stating that Hurdle’s appointment reflects the board’s commitment to developing well-rounded players. The T20 series against New Zealand begins on November 5 at Eden Park in Auckland, with matches also scheduled in Nelson and Dunedin.