CWI Launches Major India Training Initiative for Emerging Talent
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced an innovative development program that will see seven of the region’s most promising young cricketers embark on a specialized training camp at the Chennai Super Kings Academy in India this December.
Accompanied by West Indies Academy head coach Ramesh Subasinghe and assistant coach Rohan Nurse, the group departs for India on 29 November ahead of the two-week intensive program, which runs from 1 to 14 December.
This significant investment in the future of West Indies cricket focuses on nurturing the region’s elite Under-25 talent pool.
Among the selected prospects are three contracted franchise players — Kirk McKenzie, Matthew Nandu, and Kevin Wickham — along with current and former West Indies Academy players Teddy Bishop and Jewel Andrew, and former West Indies Under-19 players Jordan Johnson and Ackeem Auguste, who have already shown impressive potential in regional cricket.
The Program
The players will work alongside renowned coaches, including Academy Director Sriram Krishnamurthy and his expert support staff. The initiative draws inspiration from similar successful programs, including recent training camps undertaken by the New Zealand Test team. Beyond technical skills, the program aims to develop players’ mental resilience and cultural awareness, essential for adapting to international cricket environments.
Goals and Objectives
The program is designed to equip the batsmen with skills and experience in navigating spinning conditions, a crucial aspect of international cricket. Participants will engage in a two-day match and three white-ball fixtures as part of their specialized training at the CSK Academy.
Director’s Comments
Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, shared CWI’s approval of the initiative, saying, "CWI is committed to providing opportunities for our emerging players in overseas conditions. In this case, the Chennai Academy will host these seven batsmen and aim to equip them with skills and experience in navigating spinning conditions. Our coaches will be on hand to ensure that the learnings in the period can be consolidated and extended to other players in the region through the academy."
Ambassadors
These players will serve as ambassadors upon their return to the region and share their experiences and insights with territorial coaches across the Caribbean.
About Cricket West Indies
Cricket West Indies (CWI) takes great pride and responsibility in growing, guiding and organising cricket throughout the English-speaking Caribbean countries which form the West Indies, represented internationally by the West Indies men’s, women’s and age-group teams.
The West Indies international team is unique in cricket and in international sport. It is the only team in cricket that represents a group of nations, drawing on the strength, skills and passion of each nation to unite through cricket and take on the world.
CWI is the governing body for all professional and amateur cricket in the region, from the West Indies international teams and home series to regional tournaments such as the West Indies Championship (4-Day), the one-day CG United Super50 Cup and the women’s T20 Blaze.
FAQs
Q: Who are the selected players for the program?
A: The selected players are Kirk McKenzie, Matthew Nandu, Kevin Wickham, Teddy Bishop, Jewel Andrew, Jordan Johnson, and Ackeem Auguste.
Q: When does the program take place?
A: The program runs from 1 to 14 December.
Q: What is the goal of the program?
A: The program aims to equip the batsmen with skills and experience in navigating spinning conditions and develop their mental resilience and cultural awareness.
Q: Who will work alongside the players during the program?
A: The players will work alongside renowned coaches, including Academy Director Sriram Krishnamurthy and his expert support staff.