After a Disastrous T20 World Cup, Nicholas Pooran Resigns as West Indies Captain

The T20 World Cup 2022 was full of unexpected outcomes, but perhaps the most dubious of Nicholas Pooran and co. was the elimination of the two-time world champions before reaching Super 12s. About a month ago, Toby Radford, former West Indies assistant batting coach, pointed out the inability of the current West Indies team to ‘adapt’ to different situations. 

Now, the West Indies white-ball skipper, Nicholas Pooran decided to abdicate captaincy following an embarrassing T20 World Cup campaign in Australia earlier this year. According to West Indies Cricket Board, the West Indies team’s failure to advance to the Super 12s of the T20 World Cup 2022 was the prime determinant in the abrupt resignation of the captaincy.

With just one triumph in their initial group round, West Indies was unable to advance to the Super 12. The Windies finished last in the standings despite being grouped with teams that included Scotland, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.

Less than six months after being selected for the position, Nicholas Pooran, who was given the leadership by the board after the veteran Kieron Pollard was benched, relinquishes the helm. West Indies fielded a young team for the T20 World Cup, eschewing the likes of Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, and other legends who had not been involved in the overall plan for a long time.

“I Need to Concentrate on What I Can Deliver to the Side as a Player”, Nicholas Pooran

The southpaw, Nicholas Pooran, took it to social media and explained the reason behind leaving the captaincy. According to Nicholas Pooran, this decision would assist him to work in his batting requirements and preparing well for the 2023 World Cup in India.

In an official announcement from CWI, Nicholas Pooran said, “I have given the captaincy a great deal of thought since the enormous disappointment of the T20 World Cup. I took on the role with great pride and dedication and have given it absolutely everything over the past year. The T20 World Cup is something that must not define us and I will readily get involved in the upcoming reviews.”

Furthermore, the 27-year-old, Nicholas Pooran, has had an uninspiring captaincy record since his dominion. Windies played 15 One-day internationals under Nicholas Pooran and managed to clinch only four victories out of them. Similarly, Nicholas Pooran also captained 15 T20Is for West Indies and managed to win only four of them.

“There is no doubt I remain fully committed to West Indies cricket and I look forward to providing my services as a senior player in a supportive role. By stepping down now as the West Indies white ball captain I believe it is in the best interests of the team and for me personally, as I need to concentrate on what I can deliver to the side as a player. I desperately want us to be successful and the most value I can give to the team is through fully focusing on the role of consistently scoring runs at crucial times,” he added.

The wicket-keeper batter also had a dry run at the recently concluded WT20. Pooran only orchestrated 25 runs in three innings, with a moderate strike rate of 86.2. His highest score was only 13 in the WT20 and that came against Ireland.

Lastly, Nicholas Pooran said, “I am very thankful to CWI for the opportunity and faith shown in me and for the support that I have received by our devoted fans since taking the role, and to my teammates who have worked so hard as well. I know we have it in us to carry West Indies cricket forward and be proud.”

Recently, Nicholas Pooran was also released by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the Indian Premier League mini-auction. Although it is unclear who would lead the West Indies side in absence of Nicholas Pooran, all eyes would be on Rovman Powell, who is currently the vice-captain of West Indies in T20Is.