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Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine Image: Wikimedia Commons. Kolkata Knight Riders - Official / CC BY 3.0

Overview

Sunil Philip Narine (born 26 May 1988) is a Trinidadian cricketer who represented the West Indies in international cricket. A specialist spin bowler known for his unorthodox action and variations, he is also a useful left-handed batsman who has been deployed as an opener in franchise cricket, most notably for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Key facts

Full name Sunil Philip Narine
Date of birth 26 May 1988
Nationality Trinidadian
International team West Indies
ODI debut December 2011
Test debut June 2012
Batting Left-handed
Major honour 2012 ICC T20 World Cup winner
International retirement November 2023

Background

Narine was born in Trinidad on 26 May 1988. He emerged as a spin-bowling all-rounder, and his ability to bowl deceptive variations brought him to prominence in West Indies domestic cricket before his elevation to the senior international side.

International career

Narine made his One Day International debut for the West Indies in December 2011, and followed this with his Test debut in June 2012. Over the course of his international career, he featured across formats for the West Indies as a frontline spinner.

2012 ICC T20 World Cup

Narine was part of the West Indies squad that won the 2012 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. In the final of the tournament, he dismissed Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga to take the winning wicket, sealing the title for the West Indies.

Retirement from international cricket

In November 2023, Narine announced his retirement from international cricket.

Franchise cricket

Narine has been a long-serving player for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. While initially recognised primarily for his bowling, he was later promoted to open the batting for the franchise, where his attacking left-handed strokeplay added a new dimension to his game.

Significance

Narine is regarded as one of the most influential limited-overs spinners of his generation. His role in the West Indies' 2012 T20 World Cup triumph and his contributions in franchise cricket, particularly his transformation into a top-order batter for Kolkata Knight Riders, mark him out as a notable figure in modern Twenty20 cricket.

References