In a repeat of the previous edition's thrilling final, defending champions West Indies will kick off their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign against England on October 23 in Dubai. West Indies, the most successful side in the tournament's history, will definitely go in as one of the favorites in the tournament and will be hoping to clinch their third T20 title. The Windies head into the World Cup with one of the most formidable and enviable T20 sides. Led by T20 specialist Kieron Pollard, the squad includes players like Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer and Lendl Simmons -- all of whom have established themselves as big names in franchise T20 cricket around the world and possess the capability of winning matches single-handedly on their days. This time around the West Indies side may have no Carlos Brathwaite, who has seen a meteoric fall in his form ever since snatching the last T20 World Cup title with four sixes off the first four balls of the last over against England's Ben Stokes, but there is enough strength in depth in the side and enough individuals to become a hero for the West Indies team.They will also have their impressive record in the competition backing them to land successive titles. Playing in 31 games in T20 World Cups so far, the Caribbean side have won 17 at a stellar winning rate of 54.84 per cent.

STRENGTHS

For the West Indies, the strength lies in their sheer firepower and the group of all-rounders. While their pack of all-rounders -- skipper Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell -- provide them balance in both the batting and bowling departments and as well as ensure quality and muscle in the middle of the batting order, the Windies also have the likes of Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran to ignite the spark at the top of the order.

WEAKNESSES

Inconsistency and a less experienced spin department are the two facets that could weigh down this West Indies side. Despite having two World T20 titles and boasting a number of T20 match-winners in their side, West Indies have been inconsistent over the years, losing 33 of the 62 T20Is played since 2017 while winning just 23 of them. The Windies only have three frontline spinners. While off-spinner Roston Chase is yet to make his T20I debut, left-armer Fabian Allen and leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr are not yet formidable names in world cricket.

A UNIQUE RECORD IN SIGHT

If West Indies succeed in winning the World Cup in the UAE, they will be the first side ever to successfully defend the T20I title. Having won the title in 2012 and 2016, West Indies are the only side to have lifted the trophy more than once.

SURPRISE INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

The West Indies selectors dished out quite a few surprises. While the inclusion of uncapped Roston Chase and the recall of 36-year-old Ravi Rampaul could be attributed to their recent form in the format, the inclusion of 42-year-old Chris Gayle, the self-style Universe Boss, caused a lot of debate in the Caribbean. The omission of Jason Holder, who is in the form of his life, was another contentious issue.

SQUAD

Kieron Pollard (c), Nicholas Pooran (vc), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh jr

RESERVES

Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein