Nicholas Pooran is the West Indies limited overs captain
Cricket West Indies has announced that Nicholas Pooran will lead West Indies ODI and T20I teams. He will replace Kieron Pollard who announced his International retirement recently. Pooran served as vice-captain under Kieron Pollard over the last year and also donned the role of a stand-in skipper in the T20I series against Australia in 2021.
Cricket West Indies also announced that Shai Hope has been recommended to stand as vice-captain of the ODI team.
Nicholas Pooran who is currently playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL, represented West Idnies in 37 ODIs and 57 T20I matches. He scored 1121 ODI runs at an impressive average of 40.03 powered by a strike rate of 98.85. He smacked 1193 T20 International runs at a strike rate of 128.97. Pooran has recorded 1 century and 16 half-centuries in international cricket. The 26-year-old led West Indies to win in 4 out of 8 T20Is so far. He led West Indies in 2 ODIs so far – yet to record a win.
“I am truly honoured to be appointed captain of the West Indies team. I am following the footsteps of several giants of the game who have created an amazing legacy for West Indies cricket. This is indeed a prestigious role, a pivotal position in the West Indian society, as cricket is the force that brings us all West Indians together. To be named captain is indeed the highlight of my career so far and I want to drive the team forward to accomplish great things on the field for our fans and loyal supporters.”, Nicholas Pooran quoted on his appointment.
Pooran will begin his full-time captaincy journey in the upcoming West Indies’ tour of Netherlands.
CWI’s Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams backed Pooran’s appointment.
“We believe Nicholas is ready for the challenge of leading our white-ball teams given his experience, performances, and the respect he has within the playing group. The Selection Panel believes that Nicholas has matured as a player and were impressed with his leadership of both teams when Kieron Pollard had been absent. The experience he has gathered playing in various franchise leagues around the world was also a factor in the decision to recommend him for the T20 Captaincy.”, Jimmy Adams opined.
