West Indies’ batting lineup takes a hit as the explosive opener Brandon King has been ruled out of the remaining T20 World Cup matches. King sustained a side strain during their eight-wicket loss to England in the Super Eights at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia on June 19.
Left-handed batter Kyle Mayers has been named as King’s replacement in the squad for the remainder of the tournament. He will likely be available for selection in the West Indies’ final Super Eight match against South Africa on June 23rd (local time).
Jos Buttler invited West Indies to bat first in the match at St. Lucia on June 19 (local time). King looked in sublime touch and smashed a monstrous 101-meter six off Reece Topley in the third over of the innings. The right-handed batter was batting on 23 runs off 12 balls, and on his 13th ball, he charged down the track, attempting a shot through the covers off Sam Curran. In the process, he sustained an injury. Despite receiving treatment from the physio, King seemed in pain and was forced to retire hurt. 
King missed the second innings, with Shimron Hetmyer filling in as a substitute fielder. He traveled to Barbados for West Indies’ Super Eight fixture against USA on Friday, but an MRI scan revealed bad news.
“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has approved left-handed batter Kyle Mayers as a replacement for Brandon King in the West Indies squad,” the ICC announced in a release.
King’s Injury: Blessing in Disguise?
With his 37 T20I appearances for West Indies and a strike rate of 140.61, Kyle Mayers is a proven explosive opener and can tee off any bowling attack on his day. The inclusion of Mayers in the squad provides an extra bowling option for skipper Powell, which is a positive outcome for the co-hosts in this inclusion.
