Star West Indies player Nicholas Pooran has resigned from the captaincy role in the limited overs format following a disastrous T20 World Cup campaign in Australia. Pooran who has overseen the team since May this year and has lasted just six months after taking over from Kieron Pollard. The Caribbean side was ousted in the first round of the T20 World Cup and failed to make it to the Super 12 stage of the tournament.
“I’ve thought a lot about captaincy since the massive T20 World Cup disappointment,” Pooran said.
“I take on the role with immense pride and dedication and have given it my all over the past year. The T20 World Cup is something that should not define us and I will readily delve into the upcoming reviews. And whereas It will be many until we reconnect as a team, I want to give CWI plenty of time to prepare for the matches against South Africa in March and beyond.
The decision was confirmed on Monday evening (21 November) as Pooran took full responsibility for the collapse. West Indies won only four out of 15 ODIs and four out of 15 T20 matches. A disappointing campaign followed after being one of the favorites to win the tournament.
“This is not me leaving. I am ambitious and still see the captaincy of West Indies cricket as an honor that is bestowed upon you. There is no doubt that I am fully committed to West Indies cricket and I Look forward to providing my services.” A senior player in a supporting role.”
He said, “Now giving up the limited-overs captaincy of the West Indies, I believe it is in the best interests of the team and for me personally, as I need to focus on what I can do as a player.” What can I give to the team?”
“I want us to be successful and the most value I can give to the team is focusing solely on my role of scoring runs consistently at crucial times,” concluded the now former captain.
Pooran’s own form has been a point of concern in recent times. He has scored just 94 runs in his last 10 innings in T20Is and ended the T20 World Cup with scores of 5, 7 and 13.
Earlier, West Indies coach Phil Simmons had announced his decision to step down as coach of the West Indies cricket team following a poor show in the T20 World Cup. West Indies were ousted in the first round and failed to reach the Super 12 stage of the competition, which prompted the move. Simmons’ last assignment will be the upcoming two-match Test series against Australia from 30 November to 12 December.