Sports

Emotional Farewell: Nicholas Pooran Retires from International Cricket at 29

Published

7 months ago

June 11, 2025

In the last five weeks, the cricket world has seen several high-profile players announce their retirement from international cricket. The announcements began on May 7 with Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket, closely followed by Virat Kohli’s retirement from the longest format just five days later.

Glenn Maxwell then announced his departure from One-Day International cricket to focus on the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka early next year. Shortly after, South African wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen also retired from white-ball formats, having already stepped away from Test cricket.

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Rounding out this wave of retirements is West Indies’ top T20I batsman Nicholas Pooran. Surprisingly, the talented left-hander, who dazzled fans in the first half of IPL 2025 while playing for Lucknow Super Giants, is just 29 years old.

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Since making his debut for the West Indies in September 2016, Pooran has accumulated 61 ODI caps and played in 106 T20Is, scoring 1983 runs in ODIs at an average of 39.66 and a strike rate of 99.15. He has never played Test cricket but leaves the international scene as the leading T20I run-scorer for the West Indies with 2,275 runs, having last represented the team in December 2024.

“After much contemplation, I’ve decided to retire from international cricket. This sport has provided me with immense joy, purpose, and unforgettable memories, allowing me to represent the people of the West Indies. Wearing that maroon kit, standing for the anthem, and giving my all on the field holds a deep meaning for me. Leading the team is a privilege that I will cherish forever,” Pooran shared in his Instagram announcement.

“Although this chapter of my international career is closing, my love for West Indies cricket remains strong. I wish the team continued success and resilience moving forward,” he added.

Pooran participated in the 2014 U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup before making his senior international debut in a T20I against Pakistan two years later. He made his ODI debut in 2018 and was included in the West Indies squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

He served as vice-captain for the Caribbean side in the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup and took on captaincy roles in both ODI and T20 formats for a six-month period in 2022, including the Men’s T20 World Cup campaign.

“Cricket West Indies extends heartfelt gratitude to Nicholas Pooran for his remarkable contributions to our cricketing legacy. Nicholas has officially communicated his retirement decision, marking the end of a significant chapter in his career,” Cricket West Indies stated.

“We celebrate his achievements and thank him for the unforgettable moments he has provided to fans across the region and beyond. We wish him the very best in this next phase of his journey,” it continued.

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Sports

Storm in the First Over: RCB Create New WPL Record

Published

2 days ago

January 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.

This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.

Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.

During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.

With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.

In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.

Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.

This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.

Sports

Historic Test Debut in Guwahati as South Africa Reach 247/6 on Day 1

Published

2 months ago

November 23, 2025

Namma Kudla

On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.

India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.

The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.

Sports

India A Post 297/4 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 144 Off 42 Balls

Published

2 months ago

November 14, 2025

Namma Kudla

India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.

Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.

India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.