Keemo Paul, the Guyana and West Indies Under 19 all-rounder, said the World Cup success has made him a better cricketer and he is now ready to play for his country at the senior level.
The dynamic West Indies U19 vice-captain, who turned 18 on Sunday, told Stabroek Sport in an exclusive interview that, after strong all-round performances in the recent International Cricket Council (ICC) Youth One Day World Cup tournament, won by the West Indies, he is now focused on playing all formats of cricket at the senior level.
“Well yes, definitely I think it’s just about adapting now because I’ve been wanting to get into the senior team so I’m definitely backing myself and my ability to get me into the side,” said Paul.
Paul, who hit the winning runs a few weeks ago in the final against India which the West Indies won by five wickets, was sublime in both departments. He scored 176 runs at an average of 41 with a highest score of 65 against England. The right-arm seamer was also dynamic with the ball capturing seven wickets at an average of 23 and was brilliant in the field.
When asked what those World Cup performances as well as the atmosphere had done for him as a young professional he replied: “The World Cup has helped me to become a more all-rounded cricketer and it taught me how to deal with pressure situations and other aspects in the game which I think is vital in my development.”
The Essequibo-born Paul, who has been a good performer in the local circuit over the past few years, said that once the opportunity presents itself for a senior call up, he will be ready to soak up the pressure and perform as he’s accustomed to doing.
“I would see my role in the senior team as being an all-rounder who can be depended on and one who can be positive and productive. I definitely enjoy the shorter version of cricket, but I think it’s about adapting and reading the situation so I would really like to play all formats especially Test cricket,” he explained.
Switching to the joys of the World Cup win, the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) player said it was an overwhelming feeling and a great confidence booster in his still young career.
He added that he thinks his newfound maturity will enable him to reach as far as the West Indies senior team once he is given the opportunity to perform.
“It means a lot as a young player getting to play in different conditions and a different atmosphere and I think that helped to boost my confidence a lot and it’s going to help me to deal with situations much better now.
“My next step now is to try and get into the Guyana senior team because that’s my short term goal while my long term and utmost goal is to get into the West Indies senior team.”
Paul said he wanted to thank his role model and biggest fan, his father, for being there for him.
“My role model is definitely my dad. He has been the most influential in me getting to where I am now along with my mom my family.
“In general, I would also want to thank Mr. Safraz and the guys and V/Net Communications, the people of Saxacalli, Mr. Nazir Khan, I think they all know themselves they are too numerous to mention,” he ended.
