Nicholas Pooran Replaces Kieron Pollard As Trinbago Knight Riders Captain For CPL 2025; Test Particulars
Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have introduced Nicholas Pooran as their new captain for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025. Pooran will take over the mantle of management from the legendary Kieron Pollard, who has led the aspect with distinction since 2019, guiding them to their report fourth title in 2020.
“It means quite a bit, firstly, to characterize Trinbago Knight Riders. It’s a privilege that I am getting the chance to guide this franchise. I need to give it my finest shot and hopefully make as many right choices as I can. It is a accountability that has been handed on from (Dwayne) Bravo (2013-2019) to Pollard (2019-2024) and now to me. For me, essentially the most satisfying factor is that Pollard continues to be enjoying, Sunil (Narine) and Andre (Russell) are right here too. That is loads of expertise I can financial institution on. To guide them on the sector – it means quite a bit to me,” Pooran mentioned.
“I began my profession on the age of 17 proper right here, enjoying for T&T Pink Metal, the place Bravo was my captain. Then, after recovering from a career-threatening accident I suffered in 2015, Pollard picked me within the Barbados franchise, the place he was my captain. All three of us lastly ended up collectively at TKR a few years again, and although we have not gained a title collectively but, I’m hopeful that we will do it this 12 months.”
Pollard’s reign as captain was marked by consistency and tactical brilliance. Between 2019 and 2024, below his management, the Trinbago Knight Riders not solely clinched the 2020 CPL title – their fourth trophy within the competitors – however did it with a report unbeaten season (12 out of 12 wins), earlier than making two extra playoff appearances, cementing their standing because the league’s most constant crew.
Whereas handing over the reins, Pollard mentioned, “I obtained a possibility to guide my residence franchise for the final six years, and it has been particular strolling out main Trinbago Knight Riders in entrance of packed stadiums across the Caribbean. I imagine grooming the following era is essential. With Bravo approaching board this 12 months as the brand new head coach, we felt this was the correct time to get a brand new captain in.
“Pooran is homegrown, and I feel that is the correct alternative for him. We have truly been making ready him for this over time. I do not know the way for much longer I’ll be enjoying for, however I am completely happy for the chance to nonetheless be on the sector and assist Nicholas ease into this position. He is somebody who we have seen develop in entrance of us, and he understands our values and ideas. He understands how we need to play cricket, he understands the successful tradition that we need to create, and he shares loads of respect with loads of gamers world wide. So for me, it was a simple resolution handy over the captaincy to Pooran.”
Pooran, the wicketkeeper-batter, has lengthy been considered probably the greatest T20 gamers globally. He holds the report because the youngest participant to debut within the CPL, making his first look in 2013 on the age of 17. Since then, he has carved an distinctive profession, changing into one of the vital damaging batters within the sport, amassing over 9,000 runs throughout world T20 leagues with a strike charge hovering round 149.
Commenting on the event, Venky Mysore, CEO of Knight Rider Sports activities, mentioned, “We’re delighted that Nicholas Pooran will carry the management baton ahead in a easy transition from Kieron Pollard. Our honest because of Pollard for his management and contributions. Pooran understands our successful tradition and the accountability that comes with main this franchise. As he groups up with head coach (Champion) Bravo, we’re excited to see them teaming up for hopefully, one other profitable season for TKR.”
Within the 2024 season, Pooran was at his sensible finest for TKR, smashing 504 runs in 11 matches at a median of 56.00, reaffirming his means to dominate any assault. His fearless method, coupled along with his sharp cricketing mind, makes him the perfect successor to hold ahead the TKR successful tradition, this time below the steering of head coach Dwayne Bravo.
Sharing his ideas on the transition, Bravo mentioned, “On the subject of management, it is vital to plan for the longer term. As soon as I felt I had achieved sufficient because the captain of Pink Metal (2013, 2014) and TKR (2015 to 2019), I wished to see who the following finest particular person was to take over, to ensure that the legacy continues and the franchise stays in protected fingers. At the moment, Pollard was the most effective particular person for that position. Till I retired (in 2024), it was good to play below his captaincy, somebody I regard as probably the greatest leaders on this format. Pollard and I share related values in life, on and off the sector.”
“In that very same approach, we are actually transitioning to Pooran, who’s somebody who has been enjoying and studying quite a bit about cricket from us as gamers. He is the correct alternative, and that is the correct time. Identical to I did six years in the past, Pollard has now determined handy over the management to somebody who we expect is on the verge of being one of many best T20 gamers. We need to ensure that we’re there to help him and provides him every little thing he must embark on this journey.”
TKR will start their 2025 CPL marketing campaign towards St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots at Warner Park on August 17.
