ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — With Kraigg Brathwaite stepping down as West Indies Test captain, Cricket West Indies (CWI) is preparing to usher in a new chapter of leadership.
Among the six contenders reportedly shortlisted are Jamaican opener John Campbell, Barbadian all-rounder Roston Chase, and Trinidadian wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva—each representing a distinct blend of experience, resilience, and regional pride.
Veteran cricket commentator Andrew Mason, in a widely circulated voice note, revealed that the trio—alongside spinner Jomel Warrican and relative newcomers Tevin Imlach and Justin Greaves—have already undergone interviews as part of the selection process. CWI officials are expected to convene in the coming days to determine who will be entrusted with steering the storied Test side into its next phase.
Roston Chase: Veteran all-rounder with broad shoulders
At 33, Roston Chase brings a steady hand and the deepest well of Test experience among the contenders. Since debuting against India in 2016, Chase has featured in 49 Tests, scoring 2,265 runs at an average of 26.33, including five centuries and 11 fifties. His contributions with the ball have been equally valuable, with 85 wickets to his name at an economy rate of 3.45.
A proven performer in both departments, Chase offers not only tactical acumen but also a composed demeanor under pressure—attributes that make him a compelling candidate for the top job.
Joshua Da Silva: Calm behind the stumps, composed at the crease
Once the first-choice wicketkeeper for the West Indies, Joshua Da Silva has featured in 33 Tests, amassing 1,238 runs at an average of 24.76. With one century and five half-centuries to his credit, Da Silva has demonstrated grit and maturity in some of the team’s hardest-fought contests.
Although he was replaced by Imlach during the January tour of Pakistan, Da Silva’s experience and leadership qualities remain intact—making him a viable option to lead a squad in transition.
John Campbell: Jamaica’s Scorpions skipper in the spotlight
Having captained the Jamaica Scorpions, John Campbell has often been in the eye of the storm, most notably during the 2023 CG United Super50 Cup controversy. Yet, his 20 Test appearances and 888 career runs at an average of 26.11 suggest a player with grit and potential still to be fully realized.
Though Campbell’s journey has not been without turbulence, his leadership on the domestic stage positions him as a candidate who understands the demands of Caribbean cricket and the unique pressures of West Indies captaincy.
Warrican and the youthful duo round out the pack
Also under consideration is Jomel Warrican, the crafty left-arm spinner who has played 19 Tests and captured 73 wickets with an economy rate of 3.05. His standout performances on the recent Pakistan tour—where he contributed significantly with both bat and ball—helped West Indies secure their first Test win on Pakistani soil in over 30 years, tying the series 1-1.
Joining Warrican in the mix are promising young talents Tevin Imlach and Justin Greaves, who collectively bring eight Test appearances to the table. Though less experienced, both are seen as integral to the future of West Indies cricket and offer a fresh perspective as potential long-term leaders.
Decision on the horizon
With interviews complete and deliberations imminent, the cricketing world awaits CWI’s announcement. Whoever emerges as the next Test captain will carry the weight of regional expectation and the responsibility of revitalizing one of the sport’s most historic teams.
In this moment of transition, the West Indies are not just selecting a captain—they are choosing a leader to write the next chapter of Caribbean cricket.
