“I’ve given captaincy a lot of thought since the massive disappointment of the T20 World Cup,” Puran said. “I have taken up this role with great pride and dedication and have given it my all in the last one year. The T20 World Cup is something that cannot but praise us and I can easily indulge in the reviews to come. Until we reconstitute as a team, I want to give CWI plenty of time to prepare for the matches against South Africa in March and beyond.
“I am not a loser. I am excited and still consider the captaincy of West Indies cricket as an honor that has been 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.”
Puran’s own appearance has been a source of concern in recent times. He has scored just 94 runs in his last 10 innings in T20Is and finished the T20 World Cup with scores of 5, 7 and 13.
“Having now stepped down as West Indies’ white-ball captain, I believe it is in the best interest of the team and myself as I need to focus on what I can provide to the team as a player,” he said. I can. “I desperately want us to be successful and the most important thing I can give the team is to focus on the role of scoring consistent runs at crucial times.”
Jimmy Adams, CWI Director of Cricket, said: “On behalf of the CWI I would like to thank Nicholas for leading our white ball teams. He has a big role to play in our future.”
In Pollard’s absence last year, Pooran, who was vice-captain that year, led the West Indies to a 4-1 T20I series victory over Australia. He was appointed captain after Pollard announced his retirement from international cricket in April.
Puran was also recently released by Sunrisers Hyderabad, who bought him for Rs 10.75 crore this year ahead of the 2023 IPL auction on December 23.
However, CWI is yet to announce Puran’s replacement in both formats. Rowman Powell is currently the vice-captain of the T20I team while Shai Hope holds the position in ODIs.
West Indies’ next white-ball series is against South Africa in March 2023, where they will play three ODIs and three T20Is after the two-Test series.
