Nicholas Pooran, a key player for the West Indies cricket team, believes they are ready to bounce back from recent disappointments and challenge for the T20 World Cup title on home soil.
The West Indies haven’t reached the knockout stages of the last two World Cups, failing to progress beyond the group stage in 2022.
Pooran highlights the desire within the squad to recapture the “special feeling” of winning the tournament in 2012 and 2016 under Daren Sammy’s leadership.
“Everybody wants to get that special feeling we had when we won those two T20 World Cups,” Pooran told ESPNcricinfo. “Doing it in front of our fans is even more special.”
While Pooran briefly served as white-ball captain in 2022, Rovman Powell will lead the team this time around.
Following the 2022 World Cup failure, Pooran stepped down as captain, and the team endured a first-round exit. However, he emphasizes that both he and the squad have learned from the experience.
“We all have grown as players, as team-mates as well,” Pooran said. “We are no longer that group of guys. We all know what’s at stake here…This time around we are much better players as well.”
Pooran highlights the experience gained by several players in franchise cricket leagues, which has instilled professionalism within the squad.
He’s also impressed by the recent 3-0 series win against South Africa, achieved despite the absence of several senior players. This display of fighting spirit bodes well for the upcoming World Cup.
“It’s not about us, it’s about our team, 100%,” Pooran said. “It’s important for me to continue to share that message: that it’s not about me or ourselves. It’s all about what we can do for this team to be successful in the end.”
West Indies looks most compact team for challenging the T20 World Cup trophy. They are playing at their home and clearly there is a big element of redemption in their approach.
Majority of West Indies’ players are in-form and this could be the difference between them and other team. With a hungry squad and passionate home support, the West Indies are determined to reclaim their T20 World Cup glory.
