Ramdin: No hard feelings on being replaced

WEST INDIES wicketkeeper/ batsman Denesh Ramdin says there is no hard feelings despite being replaced as national 50 overs captain by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) selectors ahead of the Regional Super50 set to bowl off in Trinidad on January 30.

Windies ODI skipper Dwayne Bravo was given the nod to take over, as chairman of selectors, Alec Burns, indicated that the TTCB is of the view that if a local player is captain of the regional team then he should also be at the helm locally in that format.

But Ramdin, who led the TT 50 overs team unbeaten throughout the round robin phase last year only to exit at the semi-finals to CCC, noted that he does not feel hard done by the decision and will support Bravo fully.

“I’m okay with it. Dwayne Bravo has been doing a fantastic job at the higher level and he’s the guy for (WI for) the World Cup. Playing under Dwayne, we really enjoy each other’s company and he has my full support,” he said.

Commenting on Bravo’s statistics since replacing Darren Sammy as ODI skipper which includes a group stage exit from the ICC Champions Trophy, failure to reach the tri-nation home series final, a 3-1 defeat to Pakistan, 2-1 loss to India and 2-2 draw with New Zealand, the 28-year-old Ramdin defended his new skipper vehemently.

“The results haven’t gone his way but the manner which he came here and brought his attitude towards the guys and get them together (is good). Hopefully once he continues with that attitude (we’ll see results), we’re trying to build something special towards the 2015 World Cup,” he said.

Asked whether his job as captain of the national four-day team is under threat, Ramdin was unperturbed of the possible scenario and stressed his commitment to TT cricket in whatever role he is given.

This is a very good response to the press.