PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Out-of-favor West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva is tipped to captain the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the upcoming CG United Super50 Cup, as the national selectors look to his leadership to anchor a squad missing several senior players.
Da Silva, who has been sidelined with a left shoulder strain, is expected to recover in time to take charge of the team’s pursuit of a 15th regional 50-over title. His inclusion, once confirmed, would provide both experience and stability to a side that will feature several new faces in key roles.
Selection panel confident in Da Silva’s fitness
According to Zaid Mohammed, media officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), the selection process has already advanced through its formal stages. “The recommended selections have been submitted by the selectors to the TTCB executive, which has now forwarded the 14-man list to Cricket West Indies (CWI),” Mohammed told Guardian Media Sport on Thursday.
The finalized squad is expected to be officially announced in the coming days, following CWI’s approval.
Red Force missing core players on West Indies duty
The Red Force will be without several established campaigners who have been called up for international assignments, including last season’s vice-captain Khary Pierre, left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip, and prolific opener Amir Jangoo, who finished as the team’s leading run-scorer in the previous Super50 season.
Their absence places added importance on Da Silva’s leadership and batting form as T&T seek to reclaim regional supremacy in the one-day format.
Leadership opportunity for Da Silva
For Da Silva, the captaincy represents both a return and a responsibility. Having experienced a recent dip in international fortunes, the 26-year-old will look to use the Super50 as a platform to reassert his credentials — not just as a reliable wicketkeeper and middle-order anchor, but also as a tactically astute leader capable of guiding a transitional squad.
His calm temperament and measured approach at the crease have long been regarded as assets, and selectors are hopeful his return will inspire a strong collective showing in the regional showcase.
