Amir Jangoo may have only one ODI cap to his name, but what a statement it was. An unbeaten 104 on debut against Bangladesh last December turned heads across the cricketing world and served notice that the 27-year-old Trinidad and Tobago batsman was ready for the big stage.
Now, as the West Indies prepare for back-to-back white-ball series against Ireland and England, Jangoo finds himself not just fighting for a place in the starting team but, more importantly, for a lasting role in the regional team’s resurgence on the international circuit.
With the ODI series against Ireland beginning on May 21, followed by two more matches on May 23 and 25, and then a challenging tour of England that includes both ODIs and T20Is, the coming weeks will be pivotal, not just for Jangoo, but for the West Indies’ 2025 campaign.
Despite the fairytale start, Jangoo is taking nothing for granted, as his tone during the team’s early preparations in Dublin is one of quiet determination rather than celebration.
"Obviously, I’m still living a dream right now. Playing for the West Indies is something I cherish a lot. Having said that, I think there's a lot of work to do as well. Obviously it's the beginning of my international career, so I'm just looking forward to this series," Jangoo said.
After a productive opening training session in cool but sunny Irish conditions, Jangoo was quick to highlight his personal goals for the series.
"It’s all about improving my weaknesses. I’m not perfect, but I'm working on certain things in my batting right now, obviously rotating the strike as well as my boundary hitting. So I am just working on those things in training, and hopefully it could pay off in the game," he shared.
Such attention to detail speaks volumes about Jangoo’s mindset. While the hundred against Bangladesh announced his arrival, he understands the demands of consistency—especially now that the spotlight is on him.
In fact, Jangoo also recognizes that individual form must feed into collective success. And for a team that has been strong at home over the past 18 months, converting that success into away wins remains a key target as they transition from Caribbean conditions to the cool, seam-friendly climate of Northern Europe.
"To be honest with you, I think we’re playing amazing cricket right now. Having said that, obviously we have to push on. Obviously we haven't been together as a group for a while, so it's all about getting back that togetherness and then playing together on the field as when executing our skills. Once we do that, I think we'll be in good stead," he ended.