Togetherness and respect key for West Indies white-ball captain Nicholas Pooran

West Indies have entered a new era with wicketkeeper batsman Nicholas Pooran as their white-ball captain following Kieron Pollard's retirement from international cricket.

The departure of Pollard leaves a huge void in the team but also provides Pooran an opportunity to mould a young squad into a competitive outfit.

Pooran, however, will have to manage with limited resources for now. Star all-rounder Jason Holder and batsman Shimron Hetmyer were given a break from the recent tour of the Netherlands and the ongoing ODI series in Pakistan.

But having the chance to work with a bunch of young players is an opportunity Pooran is more than happy to embrace.

"At the end of the day, you want to win. Doesn't matter whether you have an experienced team or not. Everyone wants to win and have a happy dressing room," Pooran told The National from Pakistan.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Pooran is not completely new to the job. He led the team to a 4-1 T20 series win against Australia at home ahead of the T20 World Cup last year. For the left-hander, having a cohesive dressing room is the main aim.

"Obviously, it is unexpected that 'Polly' gave up the captaincy. But it is also important to not make any excuses. I feel like I have enough experience now, and it's just about getting the guys together and trying to go in the right direction.

"I learnt that togetherness is key, and respect. Team plans helped us win against Australia last year and that's something we want to continue, getting good plans and trying our best to execute. If we don't, fine. We will review and go again."

It is a critical white-ball cycle for all teams, with the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia later this year and the 50-over World Cup in India in 2023. Finding and