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The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Board has appointed 33-year-old allrounder Roston Chase as the new West Indies Test captain after what the regional body described as “a data-informed, multi-dimensional” selection process.
Chase replaces the 32-year-old Kraigg Brathwaite who resigned the post in March but intends to continue on as a regular player. Spinner Jomel Warrick now serves as vice-captain.
West Indies coach Daren Sammy, who served on the interview panel that recommended the new captain to the CWI Board, expressed full endorsement of the appointment.
“Our new captain has earned the respect of his peers, understands the responsibility that comes with the role, and has shown the leadership qualities we need to take this team forward,” Sammy told the CWI Media. “I urge fans across the region to rally behind him—we’re building something special.”
The players shortlisted as potential replacements for Brathwaite included: John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Warrican, and Chase.
These candidates, according to the CWI, were considered based on “factors including Test experience, leadership qualities, and captaincy credentials”.
Shai Hope, the current T20 International captain, declined consideration, according to the CWI Media, so as to “focus on his existing leadership roles”.
“Each candidate went through a detailed assessment process that included psychometric testing to evaluate leadership style, behaviour, and overall suitability for the role,” stated the CWI Media, “as well as structured interviews focused on tactical approach, communication skills, and team culture.”
Photo: CWI Media.
The CWI said each candidate was scored on a weighted system across six key areas: leadership, respect within the team, cricket knowledge, personal conduct, media and communication skills, and the results of the psychometric evaluation.
The interview panel consisted of director of cricket Miles Bascombe, Cricket Strategy and Officiating committee chairman Enoch Lewis, and Sammy. The CWI Board said it approved the recommendations of its interview panel.
“This selection process is one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking we have undertaken,” CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow told the CWI Media. “I am deeply impressed by the professionalism, objectivity, and strategic thinking that shaped the final decision. It sets a new benchmark for leadership appointments in West Indies cricket.”
(Copyright AP Photo/ Eranga Jayawardena.)
Chase’s first appointment as captain will the WI Home: Full Ah Energy home series against Australia, which bowls off at Kensington Oval on 25 June 2025.
The CWI Board said the appointments of Chase and Warrican: “signal a clear strategic direction for the Test team, reinforcing team culture and positioning the West Indies to compete more effectively on the global stage”.
The CWI intends to use the same selection process for future captaincy appointments across all formats.
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Yes, a captain must have the respect of the players. My question though is can he Retain the respect of the players if he hasn’t recently been in the team because he couldn’t make the team. I’m sorry, I like Chase, but the selectors are setting him up. WI board first priority for captaincy is someone they can control…whither goes our cricket.
Chase can’t hold down a regular place in the west indies team . Which is a prerequisite to be the captain. His record is mediocre at best . Has very little captaincy experience at any senior level. Lastly like is only Bajan can captain west indies o wa. I would hv preferred we give Imlac a chance . His Guyana team has dominated regional cricket. Barbados hv been piss poor.