All-rounder Roston Chase says he is unconcerned about criticism from those who question his selection for the West Indies’ squad to compete at the ICC Men’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup next month.

Chase made his T20 International debut for the West Indies on October 29, 2021, in a World Cup match against Bangladesh in Sharjah, United Arab Emirate (UAE). He batted at number three and scored 39 runs from 46 balls, including two fours, as the West Indies posted a total of 142-7 in their 20 overs. The West Indies team then successfully defended their total, restricting Bangladesh to 139-5 in their 20 overs, securing a narrow three-run victory. Chase did not bowl in that match.

Despite not being a big hitter, Chase went on to prove his effectiveness in T20 cricket, with a respectable record, scoring 143 runs at a strike rate of 110.0 in 12 matches. Chase also took 10 wickets for 212 from 32.2 overs in 12 matches.

Chase, in a Cricket West Indies (CWI) interview, acknowledged that he may not be a big superstar in the cricket world, lacking the ability to hit massive sixes or bowl at high speeds. But he said that he still plays a crucial role in the team, contributing in his own way.

“People may not necessarily know the intricate details that go into playing a cricket match,” he said in the interview.

“I’m not one of the big superstars that may hit the ball 100 metres, bowl at 90 miles per hour, or take a five-wicket haul or anything like that, but I believe I still play an important and vital position in the team.”

He expressed frustration that people often underestimate his value, saying “Chase ain’t no good” when they see him making smaller contributions. Nevertheless, Chase remains confident in his abilities and knows that his teammates recognise his importance to the team.

“So people just tend to see me chipping in here and they say, ‘Chase ain’t no good.’ But I know what I can do, my teammates know what I can do, and the coaches know what I can do. But at the end of the day everyone has their own opinion,” he said.

Earlier this month, Chase struck a 10th first-class hundred and 10-wicket match haul for Barbados Pride in the West Indies Championship sixth round against Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

Chase, with 49 Test matches under his belt, is known for his steady middle-order batting since his debut in 2016, has achieved a rare feat in Test cricket, joining an elite group of West Indians — Denis Atkinson, Collie Smith, and Garry Sobers — who have taken a five-wicket haul and scored a century in a Test match.

Chase’s impressive performance in the 2021 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, and he played a crucial role in leading St Lucia Kings to the final.

Although he was part of the West Indies’ unsuccessful 2021 T20 World Cup campaign, he has been recalled to the team and is determined to prove himself with both bat and ball.

Chase embraces his role as a powerplay bowler and approaches it with a clear mind and strong belief, recognising that it requires a high level of mental toughness and strategic thinking

“I know that I don’t have a lot of variations, so I just try to think as quickly as I can on my feet and I try to be as smart as I can with the ball,” he said. “You have to want to bowl in the power play. It’s a tough job, but I always try to go into it with a clear mind and strong belief.”