ICC World Twenty20: West Indies will have to manage without star players Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard

New Delhi: Despite having some of the celebrated names in the shortest format, West Indies will hugely miss the services of star players Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard.

England and West Indies will play their opening encounter of the ICC World Twenty20 campaign in a Super 10, Group 1 encounter at the Wankhede stadium, Mumbai on Wednesday.

West Indies were handed a massive blow last month when Narine pulled out of the squad, saying he was not ready to return to the international fold after working to remodel his action. The ICC had earlier suspended the spinner for his bowling action.

Also to miss out was Kieron Pollard, who was sidelined due to an injury. Pollard is so influential in all aspects on the field and the Windies will miss his presence on the field.

Both Narine and Pollard have been big players in Indian conditions given their stint with the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both these players have won the coveted IPL trophy twice with their respective franchises and have entertained the crowd.

Wankhede will miss Pollard as the all-rounder has been a household name in Mumbai.

Narine's impact in the bowling is something Windies will have to do without in middle overs given the spin friendly wickets.

Windies skipper Darren Sammy had stated on Tuesday that it will always be difficult to replace these two players but also cited on the importance of the opportunity their replacements will have.

“It is always difficult to replace someone like (Sunil) Narine, (Kieron) Pollard, who had so much experience here. If you look at Carlos (Brathwaite), (Johnson) Charles, (Evin) Lewis, (Ashley) Nurse, they bring a different variety which can be successful in our line up. Yes we will miss them but that gives an opportunity for others to step up and play,” Sammy told PTI.

Meanwhile, West Indies will look to put their troubles behind them and click as an unit to start the campaign in a positive note. The Darren Sammy-led side have plenty of match-winners in their team and they have to believe in themselves to reap the benefits.

Victory in the first match is always a great way to start any tournament and Windies would love to get past the line.