Dear Editor,
As the global outpouring of felicitation continues to inundate the West Indies U-19 team, for its unprecedented and recent triumph at the World Cup, I would like to join in extending congratulatory words as well. In a time and era in which our cricket has deteriorated terribly, a time in which the prolonged acrimony between the board and players has made the two seemingly irreconcilable, these youngsters were able to create history. Maybe this is an indication that there is a pinprick of light at the end of the tunnel.
The psychological burden and expectations can never be easy to surmount when your seniors are locked in a contractual battle which seems interminable, and when you are playing in unfamiliar territory. Even some of the commentators fuelled cautious optimism that the West Indies would qualify for the quarter finals stage, although not to win the coveted prize. But, who can blame them. After all, our intermittent success in recent years, coupled with players’ priority on commercial tournaments around the globe, is enough to tilt one’s opinion.
Nonetheless, these young men prevailed and as we all know, the rest is history. However, they started off the tournament cautiously, but accelerated once they got past Zimbabwe, subsequently qualifying for the semifinals stage. However, there were a few game-changing moments which contributed significantly, such as Keemo Paul’s mankading against Zimbabwe, a definite game-changer, and Imlach’s alertness in the final.
But, I prefer to site the encouraging signs collectively, that I saw unfold. Firstly, it has been a while since I last saw a West Indies team demonstrate such unwavering zest, determination and commitment, as these guys did. Even Darryl Cullinan, former South African player and commentator, confessed that he did not expect the West Indies to display such character and discipline.
Secondly, there was no evidence to suggest any fractured relationship or disunity among the players of the team. Instead, these players worked diligently towards accomplishing the mission, under the auspices of an intelligent and astute leader.
Thirdly, and maybe the most admirable characteristic, was maturity and execution on the parts of both the batsmen and bowlers. It was evident that once the express bowlers were off, the others ensured that the pressure was maintained. On the other hand, when they batted and lost wickets, there was no collapse. There was always a batsman or batsmen, who saw the team to safety. Fourthly, the ground fielding was simply electric. The manner in which they executed their duty was reminiscent of the top fielding teams in the world currently.
Hence, from the tweets which I have read, I know for sure that the likes of Kohli and Tendulkar are still hurting. However, they (West Indies) received high praise from the likes of VVS Laxman, Aakash Chopra and even one of the most ardent critics of West Indies cricket, Sanjay Manjrekar. I know that at the post-match conference, Carty talked about restoring West Indies to its former glory days; this is a sign in the right direction. In addition, Darren Bravo’s withdrawal from the world T/20 team, ostensibly because he takes responsibility for West Indies’ resurgence, might have just started a positive chain reaction as well. Who knows, this victory might just be the impetus that they need. Nonetheless, whatever the outcome, I sincerely hope that the West Indies Cricket Board will ensure that they do everything in their power to hold these guys together and ensure that they are nurtured. Let the ‘chest roll’ continue.
Yours faithfully,
Raul Khan
