WHEN NICHOLAS Pooran first stood in for then-white-ball captain, Kieron Pollard, there was no discernible difference in the approach to the game.
That smoothness of transition has made Cricket West Indies comfortable in transferring the reins of power into the hands of the 26-year-old batsman.
The transition was necessary after Pollard, the strongman at the helm of the West Indies teams in the game’s short formats for the last three years, announced his retirement from international cricket late last month.
The job of a West Indies captain is difficult at the best of times, but Cricket West Indies, despite Pooran’s relatively young age, believes the explosive middle-order batsman has the requisite tools to fit into the role.
“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,” said Cricket West Indies Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams.
“The Selection Panel believes that Nicholas has matured as a player and was 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,” said Adams.
CWI President, Ricky Skerritt, and Adams are on the same page when it comes to the decision, but understand the job can be that much more difficult without support.
“Nicholas Pooran is a specially gifted cricketer, and the right person to take over the white-ball captaincy. We are confident that he will continue to climb the leadership learning curve speedily, and successfully. I appeal to all West Indies cricket stakeholders to give Nicholas the support and encouragement that he deserves,” said Skerritt.
HONOURED
The importance of the role has not been lost on Pooran either, with the Trinidad and Tobago player saying he was honoured.
“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,” said Pooran.
“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.”
Pooran’s first outing as captain will be the three away ODIs against The Netherlands in Amstelveen starting May 31 which form part of the ICC World Cup Super League.
The appointment will include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in October 2023. Shai Hope has been recommended to stand as vice-captain of the ODI team.
The left-handed wicketkeeper/batsman has eight half-centuries and an ODI century to his name. He has also scored eight T20I half-centuries for the West Indies Senior Men’s team. He first burst onto the cricket scene representing the West Indies Under-19 team at the 2014 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, smashing 303 runs from six matches.
An ankle injury from a car accident sidelined Pooran for a number of years and his return has been anything but smooth.
Still, Pooran averages 40 in the ODI game from his 37 matches with one century and eight half-centuries.
He averages 27.74 in T20 Internationals but in 2022, he has scored four half-centuries at an average of 49.71.
Pooran will be aided by Shai Hope, who has been appointed the white-ball vice-captain.