BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Rovman Powell says he has gained the trust of his players and believes that has contributed to his unbeaten series run since he was appointed Twenty20 captain last February.
The 30-year-old took over the helm of the squad following the sudden resignation of Nicholas Pooran in the wake of the Caribbean side’s shambolic qualifying campaign for last year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
Since his appointment, Powell has overseen a series of successes away to South Africa and home wins against India and England, leaving the West Indies unbeaten in a series this year.
“I think I just have a good bunch of guys around me,” Powell said after West Indies beat England in the decisive fifth T20 International in Trinidad.
“I have an excellent support staff, and the guys respect me, and they trust me and trust my judgment.
“And also, I try to lead from the front. As a captain, once you lead from the front, then naturally, guys will follow.”
In his first series in charge, Russell presided over a 2-1 series win over the Proteas in March and followed up by overseeing a 3-2 victory over India last August.
His latest success was a 3-2 victory over reigning world champion England as West Indies continued their preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup.
Powell has won eight of his 13 matches in charge while averaging 36 with the bat – well above his career average 25.
“It also gives us confidence [and] confidence for me,” he said of the winning run.
“I try to lead and lead from the front. Once I’m doing what I have to do as a batter, the captaincy will take care of itself.
“I realize as a captain, once you’re doing your job, then your decision-making becomes sharper; you don’t second guess yourself when you come under pressure.”
Following the series win over England, Powell also came in for a massive endorsement from veteran T20 star Andre Russell.
“I support him a hundred percent,” said the 35-year-old fellow Jamaican.
“As the captain, even though he looks up to me, I’m not going to tell him, ‘ok, you need to do this, and you have to do this.’
“I respect him as a leader, and he’s been doing tremendously well for the team and himself.
“I think the confidence he has as a captain and as a player batting-wise, then working with his instinct, [making] bowling changes, making crucial decisions.
“He managed us as bowlers very well, so hats off to him for that. I don’t need to say much to him – he’s doing a good job.”
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