Nicholas Pooran Named Wisden’s Leading T20 Cricketer In The World
West Indies star smashes records for most runs and sixes in a calendar year in T20 cricket
Nisha Bharatan is a writer with six years of experience. After completing her engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she did content marketing courses to complement her interest in writing. Nisha discovered her passion for writing in 2016 when she started documenting her journey into motherhood.
Read full bio of Nisha Bharatan
Image: Instagram
West Indies cricket has something major to celebrate as Nicholas Pooran has been crowned Wisden’s Leading T20 Cricketer in the World. The prestigious recognition comes after the destructive batsman set two remarkable records in the shortest format of the game.
Record-Breaking Year For Pooran
According to the announcement shared by the official West Indies Cricket Instagram account, Pooran has achieved two significant milestones in T20 cricket. He now holds the record for the most T20 runs scored in a calendar year and the most T20 sixes hit in a calendar year.
The image shared with the announcement shows Pooran in action, wearing the maroon West Indies jersey and wielding his bat with the aggressive intent that has become his trademark. The visual perfectly captures the explosive batting style that has earned him this distinguished honor from cricket’s most respected almanack.
While specific numbers weren’t mentioned in the post, Pooran’s achievement represents a remarkable feat in modern cricket, where T20 specialists are increasingly setting new benchmarks in the game’s most dynamic format.
The Rise Of Nicholas Pooran
Pooran’s journey to becoming one of the world’s premier T20 batsmen has been nothing short of remarkable. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman from Trinidad and Tobago has established himself as one of the most feared power-hitters in global T20 leagues.
His ability to clear boundaries with ease has made him a sought-after player in franchise cricket worldwide. Pooran has represented numerous teams across major T20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Big Bash League (BBL), and Pakistan Super League (PSL).
What makes Pooran’s batting particularly special is his combination of timing, power, and creativity. While many batsmen can hit sixes, few can do it with the consistency and flair that Pooran demonstrates. His record for the most sixes in a calendar year is testament to his exceptional ability to dispatch the ball beyond the boundary rope.
West Indies’ T20 Legacy
Pooran’s achievement adds another chapter to the rich T20 legacy of West Indies cricket. The Caribbean team has produced some of the format’s most explosive batsmen, including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell.
The West Indies have twice won the ICC T20 World Cup (in 2012 and 2016), establishing themselves as one of the most successful teams in the format’s history. Their brand of cricket—characterized by powerful hitting, athletic fielding, and crafty bowling—has made them fan favorites worldwide.
The recognition of Pooran by Wisden, cricket’s most prestigious publication, highlights the continued excellence of West Indian players in the T20 format despite challenges in other forms of the game.
Looking Ahead: CPL And Beyond
As Pooran basks in this individual honor, the West Indies cricket team is gearing up for exciting times ahead. The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is just around the corner, with only four days remaining until the tournament gets underway at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, as indicated in a recent post from the team’s Instagram account.
The CPL, branded as #BreakoutT20 for its 25th edition, will provide Pooran with another platform to showcase his extraordinary talents. Fans can expect more of his trademark six-hitting as he continues to build on his record-breaking achievements.
Beyond the CPL, West Indies cricket has several important fixtures on the horizon. The team will be hosting Australia for a series, promoted with the energetic tagline “WI HOME & FULL AH ENERGY!!!” The series promises to bring the noise, vibes, and passion that characterize West Indies cricket.
In the women’s game, captain Hayley Matthews has been making waves with her bowling performances in the Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025, showing that West Indies cricket remains competitive across all formats and genders.
Wisden’s Recognition
Being named Wisden’s Leading T20 Cricketer in the World is a significant honor in cricket. Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, often referred to as the “Bible of Cricket,” has been published annually since 1864, making it the longest-running sports annual in history.
The publication’s recognition of Pooran places him in elite company and confirms his status as one of the most impactful T20 cricketers currently active in the game. Previous winners of Wisden’s T20 cricketer award include some of the biggest names in the sport.
For Pooran personally, this accolade represents validation of his skills and hard work, potentially opening doors to more opportunities in the global T20 circuit and cementing his place as one of West Indies’ most valuable players.
As West Indies cricket continues its journey, with eyes on upcoming tournaments and series, Nicholas Pooran’s Wisden recognition serves as a reminder of the special talent that continues to emerge from the Caribbean islands, keeping alive their tradition of exciting, entertaining cricket.
Trivia
Read full bio of Nisha Bharatan
