Trinidad, CMC – Former West Indies team manager Omar Khan has lashed out at regional selectors over their axing of wicketkeeper .
Khan, who quit the West Indies Cricket Board post in April, said it was clear Ramdin was facing some challenges but argued that discarding him was not the way to go.
The 25-year-old Trinidadian was overlooked for the tour of Sri Lanka starting next month where West Indies are scheduled to play three Tests and five One-Day Internationals.
“It is unfortunate that Ramdin has been dropped from the West Indies team at this point,” said Khan.
“While I agree that he has not been consistent with the bat, the Board has done nothing to help him. He is a pretty young player. How can the Board discard him like that?”
Khan said Ramdin’s problem was psychological moreso than one of talent, and argued that the WICB should have worked with the player closely to rebuild his confidence.
“However, in true WICB style they just dumped him, took his retainer away and hope this will motivate him?” Khan queried.
Ramdin has played 42 Tests and 81 ODIs but has struggled over the last year, both with the bat and gloves.
He has been replaced in the Windies squad by Jamaica Carlton Baugh Jr, with 20-year-old Leeward Islands gloveman Devon Thomas also included.
Khan, who served as team manager for two years, blasted the selection of Baugh who last played for West Indies six years ago.
“How can you take Carlton Baugh on this tour when he has been dropped before for not performing well at the highest level?” he contended.
“I have no problem with young Devon Thomas because I believe that he has talent and can reach far but don’t tell me Carlton Baugh.”
The 28-year-old wicketkeeper’s five Tests have yielded just 196 runs while his 30 ODIs have brought 223 runs.
Khan, however, said he was pleased with the Board’s choice of Darren Sammy for captain.
“Darren has West Indies cricket at heart and has a very good rapport with the players,” he noted.
“I think he would do well, he was the best man for the job, given the resources we have at the moment.”
