Guyana’s Sherfane Rutherford who became the first son-of-the-soil to lift an Indian Premier League (IPL) title, is quite humbled by the achievement after his Mumbai Indians side captured the 2020 edition of the tournament in Dubai on Tuesday last.
The Rohit Sharma-led side cruised to a comfortable five-wicket win over Delhi Capitals – a side which featured two other Guyanese in Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer, en route to a record fifth title.
That achievement prompted West Indies’ skipper Kieron Pollard to describe the Mumbai side as perhaps being the best T20 franchise in the world. Rutherford, even though he didn’t feature in any of the matches, sees the silver-lining in being associated with such a professional and well-run organisation.
“Well, first I want to thank God for the opportunity and for blessing me with the talent to play this sport; and yes, there is great joy in being an IPL champ. I am very happy and moreso being the first Guyanese to win is also a great achievement. I’m grateful,” an elated Rutherford told Stabroek Sports.
Asked whether he was disappointed or frustrated at not being featured in the tournament, the 22-year old pointed out that he wasn’t at all affected but was keen to soak up the opportunities and to learn from the coaching staff and the international players within the group.
“To be honest, me not playing wasn’t any concern because there was so much to learn off the field, and by watching the games and sharing the dressing room with some of those great players, it was such a good experience. I learnt a lot and I m a better individual,” he said.
The young man, who shot to prominence after cracking a pugnacious century for the West Indies “B” in the final of the inaugural Global T20 Canada tournament against Vancouver Knights a few years ago, said he felt quite at home in the five-time champs’ dressing room. The comfort of having his West Indian limited-overs skipper Pollard looking out for him also gave Rutherford a lot of reassurance. He described Pollard as a father-figure who gave council about things beyond the cricket field.
“Well Pollard is like a father to young players and the conversations with him are mostly about becoming a better cricketer, being a leader on-and-off the field, and also putting things in place after cricket.”
In all the excitement, Rutherford, who is described as a once in a generation talent, has his eyes set on regaining a place in the West Indies limited-overs side after being left out earlier in the year.
The focus now, he said, is primarily on staying in shape, working on a few areas of his batting, and to become “an all-format player and not just to be associated with T20s”. He is also eager to play more first-class cricket; he last played almost two years ago.
“From what I heard, it, (my fitness) that is keeping me out [the West Indies side] so my biggest challenge will be to get my fitness better so I can be back in the maroon.”
