In a significant leadership change, Kraigg Brathwaite has stepped down as skipper of the West Indies Test team after four years in charge, according to Cricket West Indies (CWI). Brathwaite, 32, who replaced Jason Holder as Test captain in March 2021, resigned ahead of the upcoming home series against Australia. His decision was part of a planned transition, allowing the team to adjust under new leadership while enabling Brathwaite to focus on his batting—he is now just two matches shy of the 100-Test milestone.
New Leadership Roles
The leadership shuffle extends beyond the Test side. Shai Hope, who also leads the West Indies ODI team, has taken over the captaincy of the T20I side from Rovman Powell, who had been at the helm since May 2023. This change marks a new era in West Indies cricket, with a new Test captain expected to be announced shortly.
A Legacy of Milestones
During his tenure, Brathwaite guided the West Indies to several memorable successes. Highlights include:
Leading the team to their first Test victory in Australia in 27 years with an eight-run win in Brisbane last year.
Securing a historic Test win in Pakistan, which leveled the series—a first in 34 years.
Overseeing wins against top sides, such as defeating England at home in 2022 and achieving a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
CWI expressed its gratitude for Brathwaite’s dedication and leadership, acknowledging his significant contributions to West Indies cricket.
The upcoming home series against Australia, scheduled for June-July, will mark the beginning of a new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. As the West Indies prepare for this challenge under fresh leadership, both on the Test and T20 fronts, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how the transition unfolds and what the future holds for the team.
