National opener Rajindra Chandrika believes a good showing in the upcoming three-day tour match between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President’s XI and the touring Australia cricketers will be an important boost for his career and one which can take him closer to playing cricket at the highest level.
“The call up for me is good because it’s an opportunity for me to try and make use of because I didn’t do too badly in the Regional tournament as an opener. So I’m looking to make the most of it and get some runs,” an elated Chandrika said during an exclusive telephone interview with Stabroek Sports yesterday.
The right-hander, along with fellow Guyanese Leon Johnson, who has been appointed skipper, will join forces with other young talents from across the Caribbean to give the Aussies some practice before the official Test between the West Indies and the visitors commence in June.
On a more personal note, the batsman expressed utter joy at being one of the fortunate players to find favor with the selectors for this tour match but nevertheless stressed on not being carried away and maintaining his usual work ethics heading into the game.
“It feels good to be the next Guyanese because I knew Leon (Johnson) would have made it. He plays Test cricket so it’s a good opportunity to be selected but I have to work harder and maintain this type of mentality and try to do well at this level because it’s a next step to the senior team,” he declared.
Switching to the topic of his opponents, the West Indies A batsman was upbeat about facing the world number 2 raked Australians but acknowledged the match would be the biggest test of his young career and one that can be rewarding as well.
“It’s going to be a very good challenge, Australia are number two in the world and over the years they have always been ranked 1 to 3. It will be tough so I will need to be mentally and physically prepared, I’m going out to play cricket so I’m not worried too much about the mental part despite we will be playing Australia.”
The former West Indies Under-19 batsman was one of the most prolific run getters in the Professional Cricket League (PCL) 4-day competition, ending with 525 runs and five fifties, helping his side the Guyana Jaguars to the title after a near 17-year drought.
With some form in abundance, Chandrika said his preparation for the match was hampered by the ongoing rains but is hopeful to get some outdoor practice or a few sessions in the indoor cricket facility located at LBI on the East Coast of Demerara.
“The preparation is going 50/50 because there is no ground or pitch to prepare on because the rain has effected most of them. I have not got much practice but I’m keeping myself mentally prepared. This week I am hoping to put in some sessions with Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith and if the rain continues I’ll be indoor at the facility so I can try and make the most of it here before I go to Antigua.”
The Everest Cricket Club player said that while he is not looking too far ahead he has definitely prioritized a few personal goals as he heads into the match.
“I’m looking to get a big score either in the first or second innings or even both because your name will be there among the selectors but at the set time I don’t want to put myself under pressure.”
He continued, “I also think the team is not a bad team if you are looking for a young side because each of the players who were selected did well in the Regional tournament so I think it’s a good young youth team with experience and we should be able to do well.”
The batsman also concluded his interview on a more ecstatic note as he said he was looking forward to facing Aussie quicks, Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc who he said would be a good test for any batsman in the world as they have been key bowlers in the Aussie side for a number of years.
