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Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time: The Complete List (2023)

Time for the greatest West Indies cricketers of all-time!

West Indies has been a beacon of sunshine in international cricket for several decades. From the golden generation of Test cricketers to the ODI & T20 World Cup winning eras, the Caribbean has been a factory of talent.

Without further ado, let’s dive right in, the greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time across formats and eras.

Key Takeaways

  • Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, Courtney Walsh, Malcolm Marshall, George Headley, Curtly Ambrose, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle, and Sir Clive Lloyd are judged as the Top 10 Greatest West Indian players in cricket history.
  • The country of origin for these players is divided as follows: Barbados (13), Jamaica (10), Guyana/British Guiana (9), Trinidad & Tobago (9), Leeward Islands (4), and Windward Islands (1).
  • In this list of the 50 greatest West Indies cricketers of all time, we have 16 batters, 11 fast bowlers,10 allrounders, 4 spinners, and 4 wicketkeepers,

Table of Contents

List of Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time

Cricket is a highly popular sport in the West Indies, and the region has produced some of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game. These players have made a huge impact on cricket with their incredible performances, and their names have gone down in history as some of the most memorable figures in the sport.

In this list of the greatest 50 greatest West Indian cricketers of all time, we took in account impact on West Indian & world cricket, World Cup wins, individual statistics & performances, captaincy, and legacy. All roles are considered. In this list, you will find the greatest West Indian batters, bowlers, allrounders, and wicketkeepers. Here we go!

Honorable Mentions: Larry Gomes, Carlos Brathwaite, Ravi Rampaul, Bernard Julien, Mervyn Dillon, Jerome Taylor, Fidel Edwards, George Francis, Herman Griffith, Manny Martindale, Leslie Hylton, Hines Johnson, Roy Gilchrist, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Seymour Nurse, Gus Logie,

Current Players Who Might Make the List in the future: Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Shannon Gabriel, Joshua da Silva

Also Read:

50. Lendl Simmons (Trinidad & Tobago, 2006-2021)

  • Role: Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper
  • Claim to Fame: One of the heroes of the 2016 T20 World Cup campaigns, knocking India out of the semifinals. Devastating opening batter and dependable behind the stumps
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49. Deryck Murray (Trinidad & Tobago, 1963-1980)

  • Role: Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper
  • Claim to Fame: Constant presence behind the stumps for 17 years for the West Indies
  • Record: 4th Highest Test dismissals for WI
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48. Vanburn Holder (Barbados, 1969-1979)

  • Role: Right Arm Medium Pace
  • Claim to Fame: Complemented Wes Hall & Charlie Griffith as an accurate medium pace bowler
  • Record: 109 Test & 950 FC Wickets
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47. Learie ‘Baron’ Constantine (Trinidad & Tobago, 1928-1939)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: One of the early father figures of West Indian cricket. All-rounder, both on the field and off of it. After cricket, he was Trinidad & Tobago’s High Commissioner to the UK and fought against discrimination.
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46. Denesh Ramdin (Trinidad & Tobago, 2005-2019)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper/batter
  • Claim to Fame: Up & down with the bat in his career, but a constant behind the stumps for a better part of the 2010s.
  • Records: Most dismissals in T20I Cricket, 3rd in ODI & Test Cricket
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45. Jason Holder (Barbados, 2013-2023)

  • Role: All-Rounder (Right Arm Medium Pace)
  • Claim to Fame: Effective T20 bowler, handy with the bat, but most importantly, known for his calm demeanor and captaincy.
  • Records: 2nd Most Wickets for WI in T20Is, 6th most in ODI
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44. Ridley Jacobs (Leeward Islands, 1996-2004)

  • Role: Wicket-keeper/batter
  • Claim to Fame: Formed the core of West Indian team in the 1990s
  • Records: 2nd Most dismissals in ODI & Test Cricket
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43. Sir Conrad Hunte (Barbados, 1958-1967)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his performances during the 1960s. Played a crucial part in series against England and scored a ton against all Test nations at that time. Went into public life figure after cricket.
  • Records: 3245 Test & 8916 FC runs
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42. Jackie Hendricks (Jamaica, 1962-1969)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper
  • Claim to Fame: Although his batting stats may not be the most impressive, he was considered one of the best keepers of his time.
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41. Charlie Griffith (Barbados, 1960-1969)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Noted for his impressive fast bowling during the 1960s and forming one of the most feared bowling duos with Wes Hall.
  • Record: 94 Test & 332 First Class (FC) Wickets
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40. Samuel Badree (Trinidad & Tobago, 2012-2018)

  • Role: Right Arm Leg Spin
  • Claim to Fame: Vital cog in West Indies’ 2012 & 2016 victory. Changed the role of the spinner as a Powerplay weapon. Economical and a wicket-taker.
  • Record: 3rd Highest Wicket-Taker in T20Is for WI
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39. Daren Sammy (Windward Islands, 2004-2017)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Recognized for his exceptional leadership skills and match-winning performances in T20 cricket.
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38. Marlon Samuels (Jamaica, 2000-2018)

  • Role: All-Rounder (Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Off spin)
  • Claim to Fame: Top scored for West Indies in both the 2012 & 2016 T20 World Cups, including the match winning knocks in the Finals in both tournaments. Controversial off the field.
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37. Lawrence Rowe (Jamaica, 1972-1980)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Famed for his outstanding batting performances in the 1970s. His noteworthy performances in test matches, particularly his remarkable double century on debut (214 & 100* on debut) is a standout among his contemporaries. One of the most stylish cricketers of all-time.
  • Record: 2047 Test & 8755 FC runs, best of 302, 7 tons (in 30 Tests only)
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36. Roy Fredericks (Guyana, 1968-1977)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Renowned for his aggressive batting style and crucial contributions during the 1975 World Cup. Fearless opener.
  • Record: 4334 Test & 16,384 FC runs, 8 Test hundreds.
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35. Andre Russell (Jamaica, 2010-2021)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Possibly the most hard-hitting batting in cricket history. Revolutionized muscular power hitting. The Knight Riders franchise have Andre Russell to thank for their brand (and some of their trophies).
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34. Colin Croft (Guyana, 1977-1982)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Renowned for his intimidating fast bowling in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
  • Record: 125 Test & 428 FC wickets. Stunning Test bowling averaging of 23.30
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33. Jeffrey Dujon (Jamaica)

  • Role: Wicket-Keeper Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Distinguished for his impeccable wicket-keeping skills and significant lower-order contributions during the 1980s. Holds pretty much all Test & ODI wicketkeeping records for the West Indies.
  • Record: Most Dismissals in ODI & Test Cricket for WI
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32. Ian Bishop (Trinidad & Tobago, 1988-1998)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Famed for his accuracy and control with the ball, particularly in one day cricket.
  • Record: 161 Test wickets, 118 ODI, and 549 FC wickets
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31. Sunil Narine (Trinidad & Tobago, 2011-2019)

  • Role: All-Rounder (Mystery Spin Bowler)
  • Claim to Fame: Noted for his ability to bowl spin with exceptional control in T20 cricket. With his batting reinvention, he revolutionized the role of pinch hitters in T20 cricket.
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30. Kemar Roach (Barbados, 2008-)

  • Role: Right Arm Fast
  • Claim to Fame: One of the consistent Test bowlers in the modern era. Sacrificed his limited overs career for the longest format.
  • Record: 5th highest wicket taker in Tests for the West Indies
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29. Ramnaresh Sarwan (Guyana, 2000-2013)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Known for his consistent performances and matches winning knocks in the 2004 Champions Trophy. With Chanderpaul & Lara, Sarwan provided West Indies some of the best batsmen around.
  • Record: 5842 Test & 5804 ODI runs including the memorable 291. 20 international centuries
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28. Alf Valentine (Jamaica, 1950-1962)

  • Role: Left Arm Spin
  • Claim to Fame: Spin twins with Ramadhin. Played a major part in the series victory against England as well as the Tied Test vs Australia in 1961.
  • Record: 139 Test & 475 FC wickets
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27. Sonny Ramadhin (Trinidad & Tobago, 1950-1961)

  • Role: Right arm off spin
  • Claim to Fame: One of the great off spinners of the 1950s, formed a partnership with Alf Valentine. Regarded for his role in the overseas Test victory against England. Ramadhin was the first player from Indian origin to represent the Windies.
  • Record: 158 Test & 758 FC wickets
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26. Kieron Pollard (Trinidad & Tobago, 2007-2022)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Found in the Champions League 2009, Pollard has become popular for his hard-hitting batting, ruthless finishing, and winning franchise trophies. Not many people have influenced the evolution of a format as Pollard has.
  • Records: 2012 T20 World Cup Winner, Mumbai Indians legend, 4th Most T20I runs for WI, and 2nd most T20I wins as captain.
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25. Richie Richardson (Leeward Islands, 1983-1996)

  • Role: Right Hand Bat
  • Claim To Fame: 9 Tons against Australia, 619 runs in 4-Test series vs India
  • Record: 5949 Test Runs, 6248 ODI, and 14618 FC Runs. 21 International Centuries
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24. Rohan Kanhai (British Guiana/Guyana, 1957-1975)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Widely celebrated for his inventive batting style and significant role in the 1975 World Cup squad. His ability to handle pressure and adapt his game to different conditions and situations elevated him to the status of one of the greatest West Indian cricketers of all time. There is a reason Sunil Gavaskar named his son Rohan.
  • Record: 6227 Test runs, 29250 FC runs, 86 FC centuries

*also played one year for Trinidad & Tobago

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23. Carl Hooper (Guyana, 1987-2003)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Popular for his all-round performances in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Records: 2nd Most Catches in ODI Cricket, 4th Highest wicket-taker for WI in ODI, 10000+ runs in international cricket, 23,034 FC runs with 69 centuries
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22. Alvin Kallicharran (Guyana, 1972-1981)

  • Role: Middle-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Renowned for his elegant batting style and crucial contributions during the 1975 and 1979 World Cups.
  • Record: 4399 Test & 32560 FC runs. 87 FC centuries, double century (206) in List A cricket.
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21. Sir Clyde Walcott (Barbados/British Guiana, 1948-1960)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Widely recognized for his record-breaking batting performances in the 1950s. One of the 3 Ws in the 1950s.
  • Record: 3798 Test & 11820 FC runs, 40 FC centuries. Averaged over 56 in both Test & FC cricket.
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20. Sir Everton Weekes (Barbados, 1948-1958)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his outstanding batting skills and record-breaking feats during the 1940s.
  • Record: 4455 Test & 12010 FC runs, 36 FC centuries. Averaged 58.61 in Tests & 55.34 in FC cricket.
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19. Wes Hall (Barbados, 1958-1969)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Recognized for his destructive fast bowling and forming one of the most feared bowling duos with Charlie Griffith.
  • Record: 192 Test & 546 FC wickets

*Also played for Trinidad 1966-1970

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18. Andy Roberts (Leeward Islands, 1974-1983)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his blistering pace and pinpoint accuracy in the 1970s.
  • Record: 202 Test & 889 FC wickets
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17. Michael Holding (Jamaica, 1975-1987)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Nicknamed the ‘whispering death,’ Holding was admired for his smooth action and exceptional control with the ball. Now known for his strong takes in the commentary box.
  • Record: 249 Test wickets, 142 ODI, and 778 FC wickets
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16. Joel Garner (Barbados, 1977-1987)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Famed for his intimidating fast bowling and remarkable accuracy. One of the recognizable pillars of the famed bowling attack.
  • Records: Best career ODI economy rate (3.09), 259 Test wickets at an average of 20.97. Also took 146 ODI & 881 FC wickets
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15. Lance Gibbs (British Guiana, 1958-1976)

  • Role: Off Spin Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Admired for his spin bowling and shrewd field settings in the 1960s and 1970s.
  • Records: First spinner to 300 Test wickets, bowled 78,430 FC balls & 27,115 Test balls. Best of 8/38 in an innings.
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14. Dwayne Bravo (Trinidad & Tobago, 2004-2021)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his aggressive batting and his ability to bowl at any stage of the game.
  • Records: Most Wickets for WI in T20Is, Most Wickets in T20s of all-time (615), 3rd most in ODI cricket, Most franchise tournament wins in history (constant competition with Pollard)

Also Read: Top 55 All-Rounders in Cricket History List (The Complete Guide)

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13. Sir Gordon Greenidge (Barbados, 1974-1991)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Recognized for his powerful batting and ability to score freely in both Test and One Day cricket.
  • Records: 37,354 FC runs, 30 international centuries, and 92 FC tons.
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12. Desmond Haynes (Barbados, 1978-1994)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Admired for his consistent batting performances in the 1980s and 1990s. A giant in first class cricket as well.
  • Records: Pioneer in ODI batting, had most tons (17) till Sachin Tendulkar overtook him. More than 16,000 international runs, 26,000 FC runs, and 15,000 List A runs.
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11. Sir Curtly Ambrose (Leeward Islands, 1988-2000)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Distinguished for his fast, accurate bowling and significant contributions in the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Records: 941 FC wickets, 405 Test wickets, and bowled some of the best spells.

*Also played for Antigua and Barbuda

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10. Sir Clive Lloyd (British Guiana, 1966-1985)

  • Role: Left Hand Batter/Captain
  • Claim to Fame: Known for his leadership of the West Indies team during the 1970s and 1980s, leading them to two World Cup titles.
  • Records: 31232 FC, 10915 List A, 7515 Test runs. Two-time WC winning captain.
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9. Chris Gayle (Jamaica, 1999-2021)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his aggressive batting and record-breaking performances in T20 cricket. Had a couple of double hundreds in Test matches as well. Pioneer in T20 batting. Was West Indies’ Top 2 scorers in their winning campaigns of 2004 Champions Trophy as well as their 2012 & 2016 T20 World Cup campaigns
  • Records: Most Catches for WI in ODI Cricket, Most ODI & T20I Runs for West Indies, Most T20 Runs (14562), Most T20 Hundreds (22), Most T20 Sixes (1056)
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8. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Guyana, 1994-2015)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Amusing batting stances, marks below the eyes, but most importantly, remarkable batting performances in Test cricket. The Wall of West Indian cricket.
  • Records: Most Tests for West Indies (164), 2nd Highest Test Runs (11867), 3rd Highest ODI Runs (8778)
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7. George Headley (Jamaica, 1930-1954)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Admired for his batting prowess and stylish strokeplay during the 1930s and 1940s.
  • Records: 103 FC/22 Tests, 9921 Runs/2190 Runs, 69.86/60.83 Average, best of 344*, 33/44 – 100s/50s
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6. Malcolm Marshall (Barbados, 1978-1992)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Famed for his express pace and lethal bounce, making him one of the most feared bowlers in the 1980s.
  • Records: 376 Test wickets, 157 ODI wickets, 1651 FC wickets, 46.7 Test Strike Rate
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5. Courtney Walsh (Jamaica, 1984-2001)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Noted for his remarkable accuracy and ability to extract the most out of even the most lifeless pitches.
  • Records: Most Test & ODI Wickets for WI, 1807 FC Wickets, 2nd most Test matches for West Indies (132), 519 Test wickets, 5/1 (best ODI analysis)
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4. Brian Lara (Trinidad & Tobago, 1990-2016)

  • Role: Middle Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Renowned for his record-breaking batting feats and stylish stroke play. It is no joke that he scored the highest and third highest score in Tests. One of the remaining cogs of a declining Test side.
  • Records: 11953 Test Runs, 10405 in ODI, 22156 FC, and 14602 in Lisa A cricket. Highest Test Score (400), Most Catches in Test Cricket/3rd Most Catches in ODI Cricket
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3. Sir Frank Worrell (Barbados/Jamaica, 1948-1963)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Noted for his leadership of the West Indies team in the 1960s and setting up a legacy of success. Sir Frank Worrell was the first black captain to represent the West Indies and also captained the national team in that famed 1961 Test series, which featured the first Tied test.
  • Record: 3860 Test runs, 15025 FC runs, 39 FC centuries.
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2. Sir Vivian Richards (Leeward Islands, 1974-1991)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his powerful batting and remarkable consistency in the 1970s and 1980s. Possibly the greatest batsman the world has ever seen, and definitely, the most charismatic.
  • Record: 36212 FC runs, 8540 Tests runs, & 6721 ODI runs. 114 First Class hundreds to go with his 35 international centuries and 26 List A tons. Averages 50.23 in Tests & 47.00 in ODIs
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1. Sir Garfield Sobers (Barbados, 1954-1974)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Admired for his incredible all-round performances and ability to turn a game on its head. One of the two greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
  • Record: 28,314 FC runs & 1,043 FC wickets. 86 FC tons, 26 Test centuries, best of 365* and 6/73 (Test) & 9/49 (FC). Also hit six sixes.
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World Cup Winning West Indies Team & Players

One of West Indies cricket’s greatest strengths has been performances in the ICC Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy tournaments. Here are the complete squads and stats.

West Indies 1975 World Cup Squad

  • Clive Lloyd (C), Keith Boyce, Roy Fredericks, Lance Gibbs, Gordon Greenidge, Vanburn Holder, Bernard Julien, Alvin Kallicharran, Rohan Kanhai, Deryck Murray (WK), Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Maurice Foster, Lawrence Rowe
  • Most Wickets: Bernard Julien, Keith Boyce
  • Most Runs: Alvin Kallicharan, Clive Lloyd

1979 World Cup Squad

  • Clive Lloyd (C), Joel Garner, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Alvin Kallicharran, Collis King, Deryck Murray (WK), Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Larry Gomes, Faoud Bacchus, Malcolm Marshall
  • Most Wickets: Mihcael Holding, Andy Roberts
  • Most Runs: Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge

1983 World Cup Squad (Runner Up)

  • Clive Lloyd (C), Faoud Bacchus, Wayne Daniel, Winston Davis, Jeff Dujon (WK), Joel Garner, Larry Gomes, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Gus Logie, Malcolm Marshall, Viv Richards, Andy Roberts
  • Most Wickets:
  • Most Runs: Viv Richards, Larry Gomes, Gordon Greenidge

2004 Champions Trophy

  • Brian Lara (C), Ian Bradshaw, Dwayne Bravo, Courtney Browne (WK), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Corey Collymore, Mervyn Dillon, Chris Gayle, Ryan Hinds, Wavell Hinds, Sylvester Joseph, Ricardo Powell, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Daren Sammy
  • Most Wickets: Chris Gayle, Ian Bradshaw, Mervyn Dillon
  • Most Runs: Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul

2012 T20 World Cup Squad

  • Daren Sammy (C), Dwayne Bravo (VC), Samuel Badree, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Fidel Edwards, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith
  • Most Wickets: Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul
  • Most Runs: Marlon Samuels, Chris Gayle

2016 T20 World Cup Squad

  • Daren Sammy (C), Jason Holder (VC), Chris Gayle, Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles (WK), Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons (WK), Jerome Taylor (Dwayne Bravo, Fletcher, Narine, Pollard – withdrawn)
  • Most Wickets: Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo
  • Most Runs: Marlon Samuels, Chris Gayle

Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time – The Stats

Most of the players who have dominated the statistics below feature in our list of the greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time.

Which West Indian cricketers played 100 Tests?

  • Chanderpaul (164), Walsh (132), Lara (130), Richads (121), Haynes (116), Lloyd (110), Greenidge (108), Gayle (103), Hooper (102)

Top 10 Most Runs for West Indies

Most Test Runs for WIMost ODI Runs for WIMost T20I Runs for WI
Brian Lara – 11912Chris Gayle – 10425Chris Gayle – 1899
Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 11867Brian Lara – 10348Nicholas Pooran – 1662
Viv Richards – 8540Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 8778 Marlon Samuels – 1611
Garfield Sobers – 8032Desmond Haynes – 8648Kieron Pollard – 1569
Gordon Greenidge – 7558Viv Richards – 6721 Lendl Simmons – 1527
Clive Lloyd – 7515Richie Richardson – 6248Evin Lewis – 1465
Desmond Haynes – 7487Ramnaresh Sarwan – 5804 Dwayne Bravo – 1255
Chris Gayle – 7214Carl Hooper – 5761Rovman Powell – 1082
Rohan Kanhai – 6227 Marlon Samuels – 5606 Johnson Charles – 988
Richie Richardson – 5949Gordon Greenidge – 5134Brandon King – 977

Top 10 Most Wickets for West Indies

Most Test Wickets for WIMost ODI Wickets for WIMost T20I Wickets for WI
Courtney Walsh – 519Courtney Walsh – 227Dwayne Bravo – 78
Curtly Ambrose – 405Curtly Ambrose – 225Jason Holder – 57
Malcolm Marshall – 376 Dwayne Bravo – 199Samuel Badree – 54
Lance Gibbs – 309Carl Hooper – 193Sunil Narine – 52
Kemar Roach – 265Chris Gayle – 167Sheldon Cottrell – 52
Joel Garner – 259Jason Holder – 159Darren Sammy – 44
Michael Holding – 249Malcolm Marshall – 157Kieron Pollard – 42
Garfield Sobers – 235Joel Garner – 146Kesrick Williams – 41
Andy Roberts – 202 Michael Holding – 142Obed McCoy – 41
Wes Hall – 192Mervyn Dillon – 130Andre Russell – 39

Top 5 Most Matches as Captain for West Indies

Most Test matches as WI captainMost ODI matches as WI captainMost T20I matches as WI captain
Clive Lloyd (36 wins/74)Brian Lara (59/125)Darren Sammy (27/47)
Viv Richards (27/50)Viv Richards (67/105)Kieron Pollard (13/39)
Brian Lara (10/47)Richie Richardson (46/87)Carlos Brathwaite (11/30)
Garfield Sobers (9/39)Jason Holder (24/86)Nicholas Pooran (8/23)
Jason Holder (11/37)Clie Lloyd (64/84)Chris Gayle (6/17)

Top 5 Most Dismissals for West Indies

Most Test dismissals for WI Most ODI dismissals for WIMost T20I dismissals for WI
Jeffrey Dujon – 270Jefrey Dujon – 204Denesh Ramdin – 63
Ridley Jacobs – 219Ridley Jacobs – 189Nicholas Pooran – 39
Denesh Ramdin – 217Denesh Ramdin – 188Devon Thomas – 14
Deryck Murray – 189Shai Hope – 134Chadwick Walton – 12
Junior Murray – 102Courntney Browne – 68Andre Fletcher – 11

*Note: Richie Richardson won 11/24 Test as 45.83%.

Top 5 Most Catches for West Indies

Most Test catches for WIMost ODI catches for WIMost T20I catches for WI
Brian Lara – 164Chris Gayle – 123Dwayne Bravo– 44
Viv Richards – 122Carl Hooper – 120Kieron Pollard – 42
Carl Hooper – 115Brian Lara – 117Lendl Simmons – 34
Garfield Sobers – 109Viv Richards – 100Daren Sammy – 30
Chris Gayle – 96Richie Richardson – 75Rovman Powell – 26

Final Thoughts

The West Indies cricket team has been graced by numerous players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

These players, hailing from various regions of the Caribbean, have showcased skillsets and abilities that have often been unparalleled. From powerful batsmen who could change the course of a game with their prowess to bowlers whose deliveries instilled fear in the hearts of their opponents, these individuals have truly shaped cricket in the West Indies.

Their contributions to the sport are not only celebrated in their home countries, but also recognized and revered globally. They serve as a testament to the rich and vibrant cricketing history of the West Indies, and their legacies continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers.

Which West Indies cricketer is your favorite? Do you agree with this list of the greatest West Indies Cricketers of all time?

Comment below!

You May Also Like: Top 21 West Indian Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide), Top 51 Greatest South African Cricketers of All-Time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time

Q1: Who is considered the best all-rounder in West Indies cricket history?

A: Sir Garfield Sobers is widely regarded as the best all-rounder in the history of West Indies cricket. His exceptional performances with both the bat and ball have earned him this distinction.

Q2: Who held the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket from the West Indies?

A: Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in Tests from the West Indies, with his unbeaten 400 runs against England in 2004.

Q3: Are there notable cricket players from each region of the Caribbean?

A: Yes, each region of the Caribbean has produced notable cricket players. For instance, Brian Lara hails from Trinidad, Sir Garfield Sobers from Barbados, and Chris Gayle from Jamaica.

Q4: Which West Indies captain led the team to two World Cup victories?

A: Sir Clive Lloyd was the captain of the West Indies team that won the Cricket World Cup in 1975 and 1979.

Sources: West Indies all-time XI: The XI | ESPNcricinfo

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 08/25/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Nicholas Pooran, A Story of Pain, Hope, & Inspiration: The Next Big Thing of West Indies & World Cricket

Author Matshona Dhliwayo once remarked, “Our most beautiful dreams are born from our most unpleasant nightmares.”

Nicholas Pooran is a living embodiment of this statement.

Precocious talent & gifted with immense power. Maturity beyond his years. With a simple, honest, & grateful demeanor. Only that an unpleasant nightmare would change his life forever.

Here is the story of Nicholas Pooran—the next big thing in world cricket. This is a tale of unimaginable pain, hope in the time of uncertainty, & inspiration for all.

Also Read: Favorite Players From Each Country, Young West Indies rises in Bangladesh, List of The Most Stylish Batters, Top 21 Greatest West Indies Fast Bowlers, Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time: The Complete List (2023)

The Stats

Batting

ODIs: 25 matches, 932 runs, best of 118, average 49.05, 1-100/7-50s

T20s: 163 matches, 3122 runs, best of 100*, average 24.97, 144.60 SR, 1-100/16-50s, 206-4s/215-6s

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The Beginning

Nicholas Pooran announced himself to the cricketing world in the 2014 U-19 Cricket World Cup. Top scored for the West Indies and fourth highest overall in the tournament—303 runs at 60.60 with a strike rate of 99.34 with 1 century and 2 fifties.

Quarter Final time. West Indies Vs Australia. The West Indies are struggling at 7-3. In comes Nicholas Pooran. Nudges it around and brings up a calm fifty from 75 balls. Wickets keep falling at the other end. The Windies are now 85-8.

Then came the onslaught (Watch this). Straight sixes galore. Flicked six. Sixes over cow corner. Breathtaking stuff.

West Indies end with a score of 208. Nicholas Pooran top scores 143 off 160 balls, last man out. Next highest? 20 runs by the #10. The scorecard read: 1, 4, 10, 0, 143, 7, 1, 1, 1, 20, 0*.

With that knock, he came into national spotlight as a future wicketkeeper after Denesh Ramdin. A debut first class & CPL season with Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel would follow. At age 17, he hit 54 (24) including an inside-out six and reverse sweep to Sunil Narine. The 2014 Sunil Narine that is.

But barely into his cricketing career, little did he know that his world was about to turn upside down.

The Accident

On January 6, 2015, news broke through that Pooran had been injured in a horrific car accident. He suffered a ruptured left patellar tendon and fractured right ankle.

As Pooran recalls in his interview to Peter Della Penna, the first question he asked the doctors was, “if I could play cricket again”?

Two surgeries, several months on wheelchair, endless therapy & rehab sessions later, Pooran finally started to walk again after six months. A couple of months later, he would start jogging. 18 months from the incident, a CPL game with Barbados Trident.

Two and a half years later—a West Indian jersey.

During these tough times, he found a support system comprising of his parents, Dr. Oba Gulston (physiotherapist in CPL teams), Kelvin Williams (assistant coach in T&T), coach Phil Simmons, and mentor & future captain, Kieron Pollard. Pooran credits Pollard’s constant encouragement, communication, & support that got him through.

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The Comeback

It was Pollard’s faith in Pooran & his talent, that he vouched for his selection in the CPL with his team, Barbados Trident. And boy did he repay his faith.

July 17, 2016. St. Lucia Zouks Vs Barbados Tridents.

Pooran outclassed a batting order comprising of Shoaib Malik, the 2016 version of AB De Villiers, and Kieron Pollard. In a 49 run partnership with Pollard, Pollard scored only 6. Dominating comeback performance. Watch his blistering knock of 81 (39). 558 days later, Nicholas Pooran was back.

As he said in his post-match interview, “I am back. I am back stronger.”

Pooran Makes a Mark At the 2019 Cricket World Cup

The lower you fall, the higher you’ll fly.

After the comeback, the only direction Pooran could go was up. He would make his T20I debut later that year in September 2016. International recognition would come in the 2018 & 2019 T20I series against India.

The moment when I realized he was the next big thing in world cricket was the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Whenever Pooran came to the crease, I knew something was bound to happen. Some of his knocks included:

34 (19) Vs Pakistan, 40 (36) Vs Australia, 63 (78) Vs West Indies, 118 (103) Vs Sri Lanka, & 58 (43) Vs Afghanistan.

His maiden international century against Sri Lanka was especially something else. In a chase of 339, West Indies struggle at 145-5. He pulls & heaves. Knocks the ball around. Brilliant partnership with Fabian Allen gets them close until Allen’s unfortunate run-out. Yet, until Pooran was at the crease, anything could have happened.

31 needed of 18, and West Indies are still in the game. Only for a hobbling Angelo Mathews to get Pooran off a wide one against all odds. End of the dream.

The West Indies did not make it to the semi-finals, but Pooran established his presence with that knock. The ability to combine composure & power is what makes him extremely dangerous. The sweet sound off his bat is second to none. And the question comes again, why isn’t he selected for Test cricket again?

What Is He Doing Now?

His stocks continued to rise with leagues around the world. Recently, Pooran’s performance in the IPL with the KXIP was outstanding, including the best fielding effort you will ever see. With the bat, 353 runs at 170 was not too bad either.

When he is not winning matches in the West Indies, CPL, or in an IPL jerseys, he can be seen hitting sixes for fun in the Big Bash or the T10 leagues among others.

He is now the vice-captain in the T20I squad (as of the Sri Lanka series. Yes the one in which Kieron Pollard hit 6 sixes).

What Can We Learn From Nicholas Pooran?

Although just 25, we can learn so many from Pooran already. He does not like to dwell on the incident, and instead look on the bright side and stay in the present. Let us do exactly that and see how we can apply the inspirational lessons in our lives. Here is Pooran in his own words.

Pooran In His Own Words: The Life Lessons

“If I can come back from it, anyone can come back from anything.”

When life pushes you down, you always have two optionsto view the glass as half empty or half-full. It is a matter of perspective. Optimism and keeping the hope alive will allow you to get through the tough times.

“I believe everything happens for a reason…blessing in disguise.”

Everyone has childhood dreams, whether that is to become a sports player, an artist, a world renowned scientist, but sometimes life works out differently. Instead of dwelling on the disappointments, we should be grateful what we actually have. Be thankful for your family, your health, and the fact you were given the opportunity to explore other ventures & improve upon yourself.

“I really doubted it but never give up on my dreams.”

Even the most positive individual can go in the depths of self-doubt. That is okay, it is just natural. Just keep working on it little by little by little, day by day. Who knows, your dream might come true and if it did not, you know you gave it an honest try. No regrets.

“Every single opportunity you get, you have to grab it.”

Do not wait to change to come. Find opportunities, and if you get a chance, give it your ALL. Put your entire soul & energy into it. Sometimes you will get multiple chances, while other times, you may only get one. Make it count.

Finally Pooran ends it perfectly with, “I appreciate the life that I have and the talent I have. I was blessed.”

Count your blessings. Gratefulness, Endurance, Persistence, Resilience, and Grace—that is what Pooran teaches us.

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Copyright (2021: 3/6/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Sources: Cricinfo, PSL Interview with Pooran, Interview with Peter Della Penna, Jarrod Kimber’s T20 Pooran Stats, GoodReads

Image Courtesy: Trinidad & Tobago: Photo by Erick Todd from Pexels, Getty Images