Gajanand Singh has been lost in the mix for an extended period but after a series of sterling performances for Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in the University of the West Indies T20 Tournament recently held in Trinidad it seems as though the renaissance of the talented left handed batsman is imminent. Singh, who played his last first class match in 2011, recorded scores of 64, 88, 56, 56, 64, four of which were unbeaten knocks as he pressed a claim to return to the national system after a satisfactory attempt in the Jaguars Franchise League three-day tournament late last year.
Gajanand Singh
According to the former West Indies youth player the difference to his prolific run as a youngster and his success now is his state of mind. “As a youth cricketer I played natural cricket, it wasn’t about thinking too much of what I had to do and it allow me success and to score a lot of runs. Growing up now it is more about the mental toughness that is needed and I think I am mentally tougher now.” The 29 year old said he wants to get back into regional cricket so he could be offered an opportunity to live his ultimate dream. However, the left handed batsman know this could only come through commitment to the sport, an area where he has been working on. ”I am working harder now; my techniques, my action at the crease and fitness and I am in better shape now.”
As a result of his recent developments Singh said he is fighting his way back into the national system and he would be ready to answer the selectors call.
In regards to DCC fall at the final hurdle to Trinidad’s club Cane Farm, Singh said it is always hard to reach so far and not cross that hurdle, but they went to the final as a team to give 100% and they did that but ended as the unfortunate side.
The Berbician was an outstanding youth player who outperformed most of his colleagues at the youth level. He often finished as one of the top batsmen at regional youth tournaments thus was afforded opportunities in West Indies youth camps and teams. He was a member of the 2006 West Indies U-19 World Cup team.
Subsequent to the 2006 youth World Cup, Jimmy Adams, who was one of the West Indies youth team’s official said Singh’s batting, especially his ability to manipulate the ball into the gaps, is mature beyond his age.
In 2007, his final year at the youth level, he was the leading run scorer in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) U-19 tournament. In 2008 his brief First Class and List A career started at the Regional level. To date he has played 10 First Class matches, scored 376 runs at an average of 25.06 while scoring 30 runs from his two List A games, where he was dismissed once.
There are no doubts surrounding his ability and he is considered an asset when he plays.
