ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a groundbreaking development programme set to provide specialised training for seven of the region’s most promising young cricketers. This initiative will take place at the prestigious Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Academy in India this December.

The selected players will be accompanied by West Indies Academy Head Coach Ramesh Subasinghe and Assistant Coach Rohan Nurse. The contingent is scheduled to leave for India on November 29, with the two-week intensive training camp running from December 1 to December 14.

This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of West Indies cricket, focusing on developing the elite Under-25 talent pool. Among the chosen participants are three contracted franchise players: Kirk McKenzie, Matthew Nandu, and Kevin Wickham.

Also making the trip are current and former West Indies Academy players Teddy Bishop and Jewel Andrew. Additionally, former West Indies Under-19 standouts Jordan Johnson and Ackeem Auguste, who have demonstrated exceptional potential in regional cricket, are part of this cohort.

CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe expressed the organisation’s enthusiasm for the programme.

“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.”

The programme includes a mix of match play and training, with participants set to compete in a two-day match and three white-ball fixtures. These activities are designed to enhance the players’ ability to tackle spin bowling, a critical skill for success in subcontinental conditions.

At the CSK Academy, the players will work under the guidance of esteemed coaches, including Academy Director Sriram Krishnamurthy.

This initiative draws inspiration from similar successful programmes, such as training camps organised for the New Zealand Test team. Beyond honing technical skills, the programme emphasises building mental resilience and cultural adaptability.

Upon their return, the players will act as ambassadors, sharing their experiences and learnings with territorial coaches and peers across the Caribbean.