Definitely see myself bowling all the big overs for West Indies: Ravi Rampaul

Ravi Rampaul, who has been picked in the Windies’ 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup, has asserted that he ‘definitely sees himself’ bowling all the key-overs for the side (up-front and at the death) and has claimed that he is confident of doing a job for the side, notwithstanding the position he will be put under.

Rampaul last played T20I cricket for the Windies in 2015, but was picked for the T20WC on the back of an impressive CPL 2021, where he finished as the highest wicket-taker with 19 wickets to his name. Having led the pace attack of a very strong Trinbago Knight Riders side, the veteran seamer is confident of excelling at the mega event.

"Yeah, definitely [see myself doing a top-tail role] for the West Indies," Rampaul told the media on Sunday, reported ESPN Cricinfo.

"I've done a lot of practice bowling in the three areas of T20 cricket and whatever situation I've to play for the West Indies, I'll try to do my best. I strive on the tough areas of the game to come out on top. So, whatever situation I'm put under, I'll try to come out on top."

Rampaul debuted for the Windies 18 years ago, and always had the reputation of being a supremely talented pacer, but constant injuries curtailed his progress. Now 37, the right-armer insisted that with experience, he now exactly knows how to manage his body. 

"With the experience gained, I know exactly what my body needs to perform. At a younger age, I didn't know and I just wanted to continue playing cricket every day," Rampaul said. 

"But, with the experience gained, playing over the years, I know exactly how I need to train - the sort of gym and running work I need to do, so with that experience right now, I feel I'm a bit better at preparing for more games that way."

The Super 12 stages of the T20 World Cup will begin on October 23, but the tournament will be short and intense, with there only being 22 days between the first Super 12 game and the final. Rampaul believes that in a small but intense tournament with an unrelenting schedule, experience will play a huge role.

"I think going into big World Cup games, you would need experience. The team that was selected has a lot of experienced guys and a lot of young guys as well - guys that have played around the world in different conditions. 

“We know that the games come quick and fast. The experienced guys, more so, will know how to manage themselves to play back-to-back games or play games every other day with recovery and getting stuff done. Yeah, the experience will help us throughout the tournament."

Rampaul was a part of the West Indies squad which won the T20 World Cup in 2012.