Rise of the Cricket Phoenix

I have just returned from a pub full of inquisitive cricket fans in London, after the latest victory by team T&T in the Champions League Twenty/20 in Hyderabad, India. It is a shock to most to know that Indo-Trinidadians comprise the single largest ethnic group, but Ganga’s team has prompted most foreigners to Google-search and inquire about our amazing and rich racial diversity. The team epitomises the kind of T&T we all yearn for, where we unite as one people for a common purpose and good. Whatever the outcome, Darren Ganga and his audacious team T&T are already winners for the Caribbean. Entering as underdogs, some teams relished the prospect of easy batting practice against the West Indies C team. Instead, we have created one upset in the tournament after another and taken the cricketing world by storm.

Dubbed the “Cinderella Kids” in the regional tournaments, because of the number of inexperienced youngsters in the team, we have witnessed the steady growth and development of this team. Ganga has managed to motivate and unite his troops, foster genuine team spirit and get the best out of his lot. The team gelled and functioned as an efficient unit with purpose and direction. Commentators can’t stop analysing and talking about how Ganga used his bowlers to maximum effect. Discarded West Indies bowler Ravi Rampaul’s stunning final over in the semi-final match against the Cobras was full of heart, grit, determination and tactic. Everyone played a part. Bravo’s bowling was destroyed, but he returned to bat us to victory with a steady Ganga and cracked some unforgettable strokes. Pollard has been dubbed the incarnation of Sir Viv, and is already a hero in India.

Every member of team has had his day. Ganga made some trenchant comments about the state of West Indies cricket. Each victory was a dedicated effort by the team as a whole, operating as a unit, as opposed to a strong team with a hero or champion batsman or bowler. His expert captaincy and fine leadership have shown how motivation, belief, inspiration and camaraderie can bring out the best in players and a team. Bravo made a point today to thank his team for believing in him. This team represents the phoenix that has risen from the ashes of the post-Brian Lara era. Ganga has been complimented for his intelligent captaincy and cricketing strategy by many. He is in the process of completing his Bachelor of Laws degree with the University of London. His pre and post-match comments to the media are thought-provoking and sensible.

At 30, Ganga’s role must be to groom the next generation of cricketers. He has excellent technical support from a coach and support staff that he never omits from his post-match interviews. Adrian Bharat might be the next great find, but only time will tell. It is a shame that Jack Warner had to intervene to get Petrotrin to release Ganga, so that he could captain our team. Hats off to Conrad Enill, without whose intervention Ganga would not have been able to go. That such petty, trivial, short-sighted politics could have prevented our captain from joining his troops on the battlefield is a cause for genuine concern. Why was Ganga singled out for such unfair treatment by a state-owned corporation that has a history of employing and supporting national sporting figures?

Ganga is a worthy role model for our youth. He comes from a humble family in Barrackpore, and has struggled to get where he is. His entry into Test cricket was rough. He was thrown into the deep end of the pool and struggled for form. There was no gentle introduction by exposure to the weaker Test teams. His performance was inconsistent, and even disappointing at first. Despite the odds, he continued to work at his game, learning from his mistakes and fighting his own personal demons. His determination has paid off. In 2006, he was actually the top Test batsman for the West Indies team. He played in all ten Test matches and scored 708 runs, with the best average of 41.64.

He restored our pride in regional cricket by bringing home the Carib Beer Challenge Trophy (after it eluded us for 35 years), and was the top runscorer in the competition. The Government is yet to announce how it plans to reward the victorious team. It might not be a World Cup victory, but we have conquered the best. Many of the players on the national team come from poor families. The prize money sounds like a lot, but the individual share will not be significant. Some of them have to study, train hard and live in the gym and nets. The sacrifice is tremendous. Cricket is their life, and they deserve immediate financial support, so that they can concentrate on developing their cricket without worry. I hope the government bestows tangible and meaningful recognition.