Full Name: Junior Kaltapau Date of Birth: August 25, 1997 Birthplace: Port Vila, Vanuatu Role: Right-Handed Batter | Right-Arm Medium Bowler | All-Rounder In the vibrant energy of modern Vanuatu cricket, few players bring as much raw dynamism and fearless intent as Junior Kaltapau. Wearing jersey number 12, he represents the bold, new face of Vanuatu cricket—a player equally capable with bat or ball, and always ready to shift momentum with just a few deliveries or strokes. Born in Port Vila, Kaltapau’s journey began like many of his teammates—on dusty grounds and sun-soaked afternoons, where cricket wasn’t just a sport, but a way of life. What set Junior apart early on was his flair. Whether it was his aggressive batting or his attacking lines with the ball, he always played like he had something to prove. Kaltapau’s early promise soon caught the attention of national selectors. By his early twenties, he was drafted into the Vanuatu senior team setup and immediately impressed. With a calm head under pressure and a natural feel for the game, he began to shine in both the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers and regional bilateral matches. With the bat, Junior is known for his boldness and inventiveness. He bats in the lower middle order, where the team often needs a quick boost or a rescue act. And he’s delivered—whether it's hammering a late cameo to take Vanuatu over the line or rebuilding innings with maturity. His strike rate consistently sits above 120, a testament to his aggressive style. One of his most memorable innings came against Samoa, where he smashed a 30-ball 47, lifting Vanuatu from trouble to triumph. As a bowler, he brings a different weapon to Vanuatu’s arsenal—right-arm medium pace that can be deceptively sharp. He isn’t afraid to bang the ball in or go full and attack the stumps. His versatility allows the captain to use him anywhere from the powerplay to the death overs. In a crucial game against the Philippines in 2023, Junior grabbed 3 for 21, turning the tide just when Vanuatu needed a breakthrough. But more than statistics, it’s his spirit that elevates him. He’s an emotional player—always pumped, celebrating every wicket with passion, urging teammates to fight on, and never backing down from a challenge. Whether diving full-length in the field or bowling his heart out in the heat, Kaltapau gives everything he has. Off the field, Junior is grounded and deeply aware of what cricket has done for his life. He’s involved in youth outreach programs and regularly visits schools and communities to promote the game. He believes in cricket’s power to teach discipline and unity—and he’s living proof. Still just in his late 20s, Junior Kaltapau, jersey 12, is only getting started. An all-rounder in skill and in spirit, he’s become one of Vanuatu’s most dependable match-winners—one who thrives on responsibility, carries the team on his shoulders, and plays each match with his heart on his sleeve.