It was a good game of cricket and the atmosphere was great at the Queen’s Park Oval, but the West Indies did not come out on top. We came close but it was not enough in the end as India came up trumps.
They are the number one team and they have got a positive start. It is always important to start a series on a winning note and that is what India did. A number of their senior players are missing here and they also have a new captain, Suresh Raina. But they are still a tough team. They have got a strong batting line-up as well and West Indies should be mindful of that going forward.
I was at the Oval to watch the game but it was disappointing to actually be on the sidelines. But the situation is what it is at this point in time and I have to wait and hopefully I can get back in the game as quickly as possible. I like the issue to be sorted out. We have a meeting scheduled sometime in the next few days. I want to be involved in the game. But it is out of my control. The West Indies Cricket Board people are the ones in charge. I have to see if we can resolve the issue. As I had stated to the board, they have known that I am fully available.
I haven’t been around the team for a while but I have always wished them the best. I know the players understand the situation and are fully supportive of me. It was a bit strange not to be involved in the game, not to be walking out to open the batting. But I have always been a fan of the game and that is what I was on Saturday. The atmosphere was great but the stands are not a great place to be. I want to be in the middle.
{{/usCountry}}I haven’t been around the team for a while but I have always wished them the best. I know the players understand the situation and are fully supportive of me. It was a bit strange not to be involved in the game, not to be walking out to open the batting. But I have always been a fan of the game and that is what I was on Saturday. The atmosphere was great but the stands are not a great place to be. I want to be in the middle.
{{/usCountry}}My time in the IPL was memorable. The people and fans there showed a lot of warmth. That was in contrast to how one’s own people fail to recall, tend to forget the things you have done for the team. From a player’s point of view, that kind of respect is definitely deserved. In your own region you are made to feel like an outsider. It is sad but that is how it is. Yes, here I’m definitely talking about the administration. It is always important that you should feel absolutely relaxed to feel an integral part of an environment.
West Indies are trying a lot of different things. They are trying out a number of new players, and are trying to give them experience. But it will take some time. TCM