New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) Following their opening match victory against Scotland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, cricket icon Ian Bishop discussed the West Indies team's overall balance, highlighting the absence of crucial elements such as a wrist spinner.

Shimron Hetmyer played a pivotal role with a commanding 64 runs, while Romario Shepherd showcased his skills with an impressive 5-20, including a hat-trick, leading the West Indies to a 35-run triumph against Scotland during their first Group C encounter at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday.

"The West Indies are lacking essential components, primarily a wrist spinner. We have yet to identify a suitable candidate and provide him with adequate experience. Some of the opening batsmen aren’t performing as consistently as needed, though they possess power. There are promising fast bowlers among the squad.

"If they maintain fitness, Jayden Seales is showing signs of improvement, yet they still haven’t reached the level I expected after the previous T20 World Cup held in the Caribbean in 2024. Their performance was better, and I believed they could have advanced further, leaving me uncertain about their current standing. The talent is evident; the challenge lies in unifying it," Bishop commented on JioStar.

He also addressed the responsibilities of head coach Daren Sammy and white-ball captain Shai Hope, stating, "For the West Indies, there are several factors to consider. With Daren Sammy coaching all formats and Shai Hope participating in every format, the energy they are expending and the extensive planning required for Test and ODI cricket—especially to qualify for the next World Cup—compels the backroom staff to be flexible in also planning for T20s to relieve some of that workload from Hope and, to a degree, from Sammy."

Commenting on the West Indies' preparations leading up to the tournament, former Australian cricketer Mel Jones remarked, "Absolutely, players can leverage their experiences from the IPL. However, the challenge lies in not solely depending on a few players with that exposure. They faced strong teams like New Zealand and South Africa, but in conditions that do not replicate those they will encounter in the subcontinent."

She continued, "How do they effectively implement their game plans and role-playing strategies in preparation for the World Cup when they are not in the subcontinent? This is the aspect of planning that I believe they may have overlooked.

"Could they have arrived earlier to participate in a tri-nation series or something similar, enabling players with IPL experience to share that knowledge with their teammates?"

The West Indies are set to maintain their winning streak as they face England on Wednesday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.