Cricket West Indies Names A New T20I Captain, Kraigg Brathwaite Steps Down As Test Skipper

In a major shake-up in West Indies cricket, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced a leadership restructuring on Sunday, bringing an end to Kraigg Brathwaite’s tenure as Test captain and appointing a new leader for the T20I squad. The decision comes at a crucial juncture as West Indies look to rebuild their cricketing structure and elevate their performance in both red-ball and white-ball formats.

Kraigg Brathwaite Steps Down as West Indies Test Captain

Kraigg Brathwaite, who has been at the helm of the West Indies Test team since 2017, has officially stepped down as captain ahead of the upcoming home series against Australia. His resignation signals a transitional phase for the team, with the board yet to name his successor.

Brathwaite’s Captaincy Journey: Highs and Lows

Having led the team in 39 Test matches over the years, Brathwaite’s captaincy was defined by a mix of historic victories and struggles. His leadership tenure saw the West Indies Test side undergo a transformation, moving towards a more disciplined and resilient outfit.

Historic Wins Under Brathwaite’s Leadership

Breaking the 27-Year Drought in Australia
- One of Brathwaite’s crowning moments came in January 2024 when he guided the team to a famous Test win at the Gabba, their first in Australia in 27 years.
First Test Victory in Pakistan Since 1990
- Earlier this year, West Indies secured another landmark victory, defeating Pakistan on their home turf, a feat last achieved in 1990.

Despite these remarkable wins, the team also suffered heavy defeats, particularly against top-ranked Test-playing nations. Brathwaite’s overall record as captain includes 10 wins, 22 losses, and 7 draws, reflecting the challenges the side faced under his leadership.

Why Brathwaite Stepped Down?

The 32-year-old veteran cited his decision as part of ensuring a smooth transition for the team moving forward. With the next cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) approaching, Brathwaite believed it was the right time for a new leader to take charge.

The upcoming three-match Test series against Australia this summer will mark the beginning of a new era for the West Indies red-ball squad, and all eyes will be on the CWI to announce Brathwaite’s successor.

Shai Hope Takes Over as T20I Captain

Alongside Brathwaite’s departure, CWI also confirmed a significant change in the T20I format—Shai Hope has been named the new T20I captain, replacing Rovman Powell.

Why Did CWI Choose Hope as the T20I Captain?

Hope, who has been successfully leading the West Indies ODI team since 2022, is known for his composure, tactical awareness, and ability to anchor innings in high-pressure situations. His white-ball experience has been invaluable, making him a natural choice for the leadership role in T20Is.

This move indicates that the West Indies are looking for a more stable and strategic captain in the shortest format, especially with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in sight.

Rovman Powell’s Captaincy Tenure

Powell was appointed as T20I captain in May 2023 but faced inconsistency in results. While he led the team to some impressive wins, the inconsistency in performances—especially against stronger teams—prompted the board to rethink their strategy. Powell’s tenure as captain lasted less than a year, suggesting that the CWI wanted a more experienced and calculated leader in the T20 format.

What Lies Ahead for West Indies Cricket?

Test Team: The Search for a New Leader

With Brathwaite stepping down, the big question remains: Who will lead West Indies in the Test format?

Potential candidates include:

Jermaine Blackwood – The current vice-captain, known for his aggressive yet responsible batting style.
Joshua Da Silva – A promising wicketkeeper-batter who has shown leadership qualities.
Alzarri Joseph – The fiery fast bowler could bring an aggressive, no-nonsense approach to the role.

A final decision from CWI is expected soon, given that the home series against Australia is just around the corner.

T20I Team: Hope’s First Challenge

Shai Hope’s first assignment as T20I captain will be during the West Indies’ tour of Ireland and England in June 2025. The team will play:

Three T20Is against Ireland
Three T20Is against England

These matches will serve as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026, with Hope’s leadership being closely scrutinized by fans and analysts.

A Bold Move by CWI?

By making these sweeping changes, Cricket West Indies has taken a bold step towards reshaping the team. The aim is clear—to create a structured, competitive unit across all formats of the game.

Final Thoughts

The West Indies cricket team has always been known for its unpredictability and flair. With Brathwaite’s exit from Test captaincy and Hope’s appointment in T20s, a new chapter begins.