Picture Credit: CWI
Following Kieron Pollard's retirement, West Indies' wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran has been named limited-overs captain of the national squad. Last month, Pollard announced his retirement from international cricket. Pollard, who is currently with Mumbai Indians (MI) during the IPL 2022 season, took to Instagram to announce his decision. One of the most capped players in the format, Pollard shared a video of himself on Instagram, announcing his decision to step away from international duty for West Indies.
"Nicholas Pooran will take over the captaincy for the West Indies Men's ODI and T20I teams following the international retirement of Kieron Pollard," Cricket West Indies said in a statement. Notably, Pooran was earlier Pollard's deputy in limited-overs formats.
Wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope has been appointed as the new vice-captain in ODIs. Responding to his appointment, Pooran stated that he is truly honoured to be appointed as captain of the West Indies team. "I have been trusted for huge responsibility and fill-in shoes of the legend. I will try my best to carry forward the legacy of the several giants of the game," said Pooran in a statement released by the Windies Board.
The board further expressed their confidence in Nicholas by stating that the wicket-keeper batter is ready to lead the white-ball team, citing his experience. "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," CWI Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams was quoted as saying.