Nicholas Pooran named West Indies' white-ball captain following Kieron Pollard's international retirement

Nicholas Pooran has taken over as West Indies’ captain in white-ball cricket following Kieron Pollard’s retirement from international cricket. The same was confirmed in an official statement issued by the West Indies Cricket Board on Tuesday (May 3). Pooran’s appointment was on the cards as he was the vice-captain of the team during Pollard’s tenure. The southpaw has also led the team in some matches in the all-rounder’s absence.

For the unversed, Pollard announced his retirement last month and left the entire cricket world in shock. He took over the reins from Jason Holder in 2019 and did a decent job. As he is just 34, the batting all-rounder was expected to serve West Indies cricket for few more years. However, he decided to bring curtains to his international career and Pooran will now take over the baton from him.

Nicholas Pooran to lead West Indies in upcoming ICC tournaments

“Cricket West Indies (CWI) today confirmed the appointment of Nicholas Pooran as the West Indies Men’s One Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) captain, following the international retirement of Kieron Pollard,” stated CWI in an official statement.

“Pooran will take over the captaincy for the West Indies ODI and T20I teams after being Pollard’s deputy over the last year. 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,” read the statement further.

Making his international debut in 2016, Pooran didn’t really rise to the prominence straightaway. However, the wicketkeeper-batter steadily found his feet at the highest level and emerged as a vital part of the white-ball team. While the 26-year-old is known for his explosive hitting, he can also anchor the innings in the middle overs. He’s also a reliable wicketkeeper. With the T20 World Cup 2022 taking place in the few months time, Pooran has some in hand and many eyes will be on him.