WI head coach praises game-changer Motie for improving skill set

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CMC):

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has lauded left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie for his work ethic and perseverance after his match-winning performance in the third and final T20I against South Africa on Saturday.

Last November, the 30-year-old was dropped from the West Indies’ T20I squad for the tour of New Zealand following a dip in form attributed to a technical issue with his action.

As a result, a decision was taken by Cricket West Indies to send Motie to South Africa to work with specialists, through collaboration with the Royals Sports Group, to address the issue and rebuild his confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will be held from February 7 to March 8 in Sri Lanka and India.

While Motie went wicketless in the preceding three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, he starred in his lone appearance in South Africa, claiming 3-17 in his two overs to be named Player of the Match in West Indies’ six-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in a match reduced to 10 overs.

Speaking in a post-match press conference on Saturday, Sammy pointed out that Motie had used some of his newly acquired bowling skills during his spell.

He said he was impressed with Motie’s effort since being dropped, describing him as a key part of the West Indies’ past success and future.

“In 2025 Motie really lacked some confidence. So, we had a plan, myself, with Sangakarra, the director of Royals, and we came up with a plan after Bangladesh that Motie would come down to South Africa to do some skill work before this series here; and I must say that Motie has maximised the time.

“The specific training that he got, that chinaman he’s bowling now, he’s been practising it for a while, and to gain the confidence he came to Abu Dhabi to play against Afghanistan, and we saw he’s slowly getting his confidence back,” Sammy said.

“We had a combination we wanted to play, and just him getting that opportunity, it opens the door for us because now he can challenge both sides of the bat, whether it’s a right- or left-hander. Motie bowls it in the nets, it’s been a while now, but to have the confidence to do it now ...

“I’m so happy for him because we all know when we were successful, the wickets he took in the middle were crucial for us. So, kudos to Motie for making use of the opportunity and the time to fine-tune his skills and his craft,” the head coach added.