Five rookie West Indies players who can make an impact in CPL 2023

The upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will kick off on August 17 (As per Indian Standard Time and August 16 local time). Jamaica Tallawahs, who are the defending champions of the tournament, will play 2020 finalists, St Lucia Kings. Talking about the tournament, it always unearths talented players across the Caribbean Islands. Since 2013, the league has given a lot of players to the West Indies side.

This year, the same story might repeat this year. Some players will make their debuts this year across six teams. So without further ado, let's have a look at five rookie players who can do well this year.

Five youngsters who can do well in CPL 2023

Alick Athanaze (Image Credit: Twitter)

1. Alick Athanaze (Barbados Royals)

The left-hander made his Test debut against India in the recently-concluded home series. In that game, India brushed aside the hosts within three days but Alick did well. A month before this, the Dominica player made his ODI debut and scored the joint-fastest fifty for the Caribbean. Alick is yet to play a professional T20 game and might make his debut

Kevin Wickham (Image Credit: Twitter)

2. Kevin Wickham (Barbados Royals)

Former West Indies U19 and another Royals player might make his CPL debut for the two-time winners. He has played First Class and List A but like his teammate, Alick, Kevin is yet to make his debut in the shortest format of the game.   

Matthew Forde (Image Credit: Twitter)

3. Matthew Forde

The right-arm pacer played a few games for the 2020 finalists, St Lucia Kings last year. He was also part of Global T20 League Canada debutants, Surrey Jaguars, and is playing for Dambulla Aura in Lanka Premier League. Talking about his T20 career, he has played 10 games and has 11 wickets to his name. Forde might play more games for the Kings this year.   

Kofi James (Image Credit: Twitter)

4. Kofi James

The right-arm off-spinner was previously part of the Patriots' development and has made it to the senior. Newly-appointed coach and Royal Challengers Bangalore talent scout, Malolan Rangarajan. The 25-year-old is yet to play a T20 game and is low on experience in First Class and List A. He is regarded as the darting off-spinner who can target the stumps or pads of a batter.   

Nicholson Gordon (Image Credit: Twitter)

5. Nicholson Gordon

The 31-year-old made his debut for the eventual winners, Jamaica Tallawahs last year. He played in the final in place of the injured Mohammad Amir and took the wickets of Najibullah Zadran, Corbin Bosch, and Devon Thomas. Even though Gordon is 30-plus, he is low on T20 experience and would like to make an impression this year.