New husband, father and international debutant Gudakesh Motie hungry for more success

-happy to spend Christmas with family

By Brandon Corlette

Starting 2021 as the leading wicket-taker in the Regional Super50, then getting married, playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, seeing the birth of his first child, getting a maiden call-up to the West Indies team at the T20 World Cup, and then making his T20 International debut against Pakistan were
some of the major events of Gudakesh Motie’s life this year.

Asked if all these accomplishments are his Christmas gifts, Motie said he still has a lot more to accomplish. “Firstly, I’m thankful for life. I am feeling very hopeful and confident not just for the holidays, but throughout the year. It has been a great experience for me. I won’t say I have all the gifts I need, because there is a lot more to accomplish,” he said.
Life for cricketers is more challenging these days, since the COVID-19 pandemic sees players being locked in a bubble. “Honestly, it’s very tough. Not much I can do. I try to utilise the time to reflect on my game, go on the internet, watch videos, talk to my family and stuff. I am very happy to spend the holidays with my family, especially to be with my son. He brings a lot of joy and happiness,” Motie added.
Motie, a Stag ambassador for the United Kingdom-based cricket entity, has certainly done a lot of travelling this year. He has said, “Mentally, it is very tough, but I love what I am doing, so I always find ways to be comfortable.”
This Berbician, who plays for the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club on the Corentyne, had figures of 0-29 in four overs, which included 10 dot balls. He opened the bowling against two current giants of the game, Babar Azam and Mohamed Rizwan. Despite having a dropped chance off his bowling, the controlled spinner was beyond happy to make his international debut.
“I am extremely happy to make my T20 International debut. I worked very hard for it. Honestly, I was not nervous, but I was hungry for the opportunity to go out and showcase my talent,” he says.
Motie has played 29 First-class games and claimed 100 wickets. He has been the leading wicket-taker in the last Regional Super50 tournament, claiming 17 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 4.56. He had best bowling figures of 4-45, with a stellar average of 16.64.
In the CPL, Motie played six matches, and impressed with eight wickets at a brilliant economy rate of 6.52. He also had a best bowling figure of 3-25 in his debut season at a top average of 15.50.
Motie has also gained valuable experience as a reserve player at the T20 World. With a lot of cricket to be played in 2022, Motie remains hungry, as he hopes to extend his good run.