Nicholas Pooran’s T20 career reads like a modern cricket fairy tale—a journey from promising young talent to becoming one of the most explosive batsmen in the shortest format of the game. At just 29 years old, the explosive left-handed wicket-keeper batsman has recently announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an era for West Indies cricket and closing a chapter that was filled with spectacular performances, leadership responsibilities, and record-breaking achievements.
The Early Years and International Breakthrough
Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Pooran made his international debut in 2016, quickly establishing himself as a dynamic force in the West Indies setup. His journey through the ranks was swift, demonstrating the raw talent and aggressive batting style that would become his trademark. Unlike many cricketers who gradually transition into the T20 format, Pooran emerged as what he himself called “a child of T20”, perfectly suited for the fast-paced, high-octane nature of modern cricket.
His international T20 career spanned 106 matches, during which he accumulated an impressive 2,275 runs at an average of 26.14 and a strike rate of 136.39. These numbers tell only part of the story—Pooran’s ability to change the course of a match with his explosive batting made him one of the most feared batsmen in world cricket.
Record-Breaking Achievements
One of Pooran’s most significant achievements came when he surpassed Chris Gayle’s 1,899 runs to become the highest run-scorer for West Indies in T20 internationals, a feat that speaks volumes about his consistency and longevity in the format. This milestone was particularly meaningful given Gayle’s legendary status in T20 cricket, making Pooran’s achievement even more remarkable.
In 2024, he became a true disciple of the format, playing 76 games—roughly one every five days—and piling up more runs and sixes than anyone had ever managed in a calendar year. This extraordinary commitment to T20 cricket across various leagues worldwide demonstrated his dedication to mastering the format.
IPL Journey: From Promise to Stardom
Pooran’s Indian Premier League journey began in 2019 when Punjab Kings (PBKS) acquired him for INR 4.2 crore. His IPL career became a testament to his ability to adapt and evolve as a player. In his first season, he scored 168 runs from seven games at a strike rate of 157, showing glimpses of his potential.
The following season proved to be a breakthrough, as he made 353 runs in 14 games at an incredible strike rate of 169.71. However, like many cricketers, Pooran faced challenges, including a difficult 2021 season where he managed only 85 runs in 12 matches, leading to his release from PBKS.
The setback proved to be temporary. Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired him for INR 10.75 crore in the IPL 2022 mega auction, and later, his move to Lucknow Super Giants proved to be career-defining. His best IPL season came in 2024 for LSG, where he scored 499 runs at an average of 62.37 and a strike rate of 178.31, leading to his retention by the franchise for IPL 2025.
Leadership and Captaincy
In May 2022, Pooran was appointed captain of the West Indies national cricket team for limited-overs formats, a recognition of his leadership qualities and standing within the team. His captaincy came during a challenging period for West Indies cricket, and he faced the difficult task of leading the team through various competitions.
He captained the West Indies squad for the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, though the team suffered an early exit in the first round after losing 2 out of 3 matches and failing to qualify for the Super 12 round. The disappointment of the World Cup campaign led to Pooran stepping down as limited-overs captain on November 21, 2022, demonstrating his accountability and commitment to the team’s success.
The Global T20 Nomad
What set Pooran apart from many of his contemporaries was his complete embrace of the global T20 circuit. He became a sought-after player in various leagues around the world, adapting his game to different conditions and formats. His ability to perform consistently across different tournaments and countries made him one of the most valuable T20 players in the world.
By the end of his career, Pooran had played 106 T20 matches, scoring 2,275 runs with an average of 26, hitting 152 fours and 149 sixes. These statistics reflect not just his run-scoring ability but also his power-hitting capabilities that made him a crowd favorite wherever he played.
International Versatility
While primarily known for his T20 exploits, Pooran was also a capable ODI player. Across 61 ODI appearances, he scored 1,983 runs at an average of 39.66 with a strike rate of 99.15, including three centuries and 11 fifties. During a series against India, Pooran was the highest run-scorer in the T20I series, scoring 184 runs including three half-centuries with a highest score of 62, despite West Indies losing all three matches.
His wicket-keeping skills added another dimension to his value as a player, making him a complete package for any T20 side. The combination of explosive batting, safe hands behind the stumps, and leadership qualities made him an invaluable asset to his teams.
The Retirement Decision
On a Tuesday in June 2025, Pooran surprised the cricket world by announcing his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29, describing the decision as “difficult”. His retirement statement was heartfelt and reflective: “To the cricket public, after much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from international cricket. This game we love has given and will continue to give so much – joy, purpose, unforgettable memories, and a chance to represent the people of the West Indies.”
The timing of his retirement, coming with over eight months left before the T20 World Cup 2026, represents a significant loss for West Indies cricket. His decision came days after he requested Cricket West Indies not to consider him for their ongoing white-ball tour of England, suggesting that the choice had been contemplated for some time.
Legacy and Impact
Nicholas Pooran’s impact on T20 cricket extends beyond mere statistics. He represented a new generation of cricketers who fully embraced the global nature of the format, playing with the same intensity and commitment whether representing his country or franchise teams. His approach to batting—aggressive yet calculated, destructive yet measured—became a template for modern T20 batting.
His journey from a promising young player to becoming the West Indies’ leading T20I run-scorer illustrates the evolution of Caribbean cricket in the modern era. While his international career has ended, his influence on the format and his role in inspiring the next generation of T20 specialists will be his lasting contribution to the game.
As Pooran himself concluded in his retirement statement: “Though this international chapter of my career closes, my love for West Indies Cricket will never fade. I wish the team and the region nothing but success and strength for the road ahead.”
Nicholas Pooran’s T20 career stands as a testament to the modern cricketer’s ability to adapt, evolve, and excel in the most dynamic format of the game. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions to T20 cricket will be remembered long after his final innings.
