Tim Seifert powers St Lucia Kings in Caribbean Premier League

WEB DESK: From TKR benchwarmer to the heartbeat of the St Lucia Kings, Tim Seifert’s Caribbean Premier League transformation is complete. The New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter has been on a tear in CPL 2025, racking up 338 runs in eight innings at a blistering strike rate of 178.83 – form that could well carry the Kings to a second consecutive title.

According to an article by Cricinfo, once touted as the next Brendon McCullum, Seifert has long been a globetrotting T20 specialist. But this season, in the spin-friendly Caribbean conditions, he’s emerged not just as a top-order menace, but as the CPL’s most fearsome spin-hitter. His 200 runs off 103 balls against spin – striking at nearly 200 – leads all batters who’ve faced more than 50 deliveries of slow bowling in the tournament.

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“I’ve always had a strong square game from my hockey background,” Seifert told CPL media ahead of the playoffs. “But now it’s about choosing the right moments and conditions. Spin’s been a big focus over the last two years – and it’s paying off.”

A KNOCK FOR THE AGES

Seifert’s CPL 2025 highlight came at home in Gros Islet against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, when he blasted a 40-ball century – tying the record for the fastest in league history. He remained unbeaten on 125 off 53 balls, the highest score by an overseas player in CPL history.

“We were chasing 205, and I knew I had to finish it,” Seifert said. “It’s easy to get out on 80 and leave it to someone else, but I wanted to be there at the end. That was probably one of my proudest knocks.”

His celebration? A spontaneous hop dance borrowed from a local viral trend in St Lucia. “We were at a street party the night before — that dance was the move! I didn’t even think about it. It just happened.”

STEPPING UP IN FAF’S ABSENCE

Initially drafted in 2024 as a short-term replacement for Heinrich Klaasen, Seifert has become the Kings’ central figure this season – especially with skipper Faf du Plessis sidelined. With the leadership void and key absentees like Noor Ahmad and Matthew Forde, Seifert was promoted to the top and has flourished across positions from No 1 to No 7.

“Whether it’s opening or middle order, I’ve just enjoyed the flexibility,” Seifert said. “It makes you a better T20 cricketer – and it helps the team when you can plug gaps.”

LEARNING FROM THE LEAGUE

Seifert credits his evolution to years of learning in franchise leagues, particularly the CPL. He got his first taste in 2020 with Trinbago Knight Riders under coach McCullum, sharing a dressing room with West Indies icons like Pollard, Pooran, and Russell.

“The CPL is tough for overseas players early on,” Seifert admitted. “But I’ve learned so much here. Being around guys like that – and now under Daren Sammy at the Kings – it’s been a big part of my growth.”

BEYOND CPL

Seifert’s CPL form is part of a broader resurgence. In 2025, he’s amassed over 440 T20I runs for New Zealand, including a career-best 97 against Pakistan. He was also part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025-winning squad – albeit in a reserve role.

With the 2026 T20 World Cup looming in India and Sri Lanka, Seifert has his sights set on a return to the Black Caps’ XI, potentially opening alongside close friend Finn Allen – a duo dubbed “New Zealand’s Bash Brothers.”

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“Chris Lynn and Baz are the OGs,” Seifert joked. “But I won’t say no to that nickname. Finn and I love putting pressure on bowlers early. And we’re just having fun.”

From funky shotmaker to calculated finisher, Tim Seifert’s CPL 2025 campaign has redefined his T20 legacy. If the Kings do go all the way again, it’ll be hard to look past Seifert as the tournament’s most valuable player.