The acrobatic Sinclair has lots in store for CPL 2021

By Jemima Holmes

With a somersault and a smile, Kevin Sinclair has charmed his way into the hearts of many Guyanese cricket fans.
This charm does not come unwarranted, as the bowler proved to be effective in his Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) debut in 2020. Picking up 5 wickets in as many games, with an economy of 4.35, Sinclair proved to be a newfound gem for the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) last year, and even brought an electrifying celebration along.

The 21-year-old’s performance in the CPL, and previously in the Regional Super 50 tournament, have earned him a senior call-up with the West Indies T20I team.
Before his departure for St. Kitts and Nevis, Sinclair had an enjoyable chat with Guyana Times Sport, in which he gave the fans some hints on what to expect in this 9th edition of the Hero CPL.
For Sinclair, his Amazon Warriors’ debut was a buzz of a feeling, but, upon reflection, it is a stepping stone that he is very grateful for.
“Playing my first game, it was really electrifying, I really felt like I belonged to that level. I had a good year last year, you know; it boosted my confidence, yes,” Sinclair explained.
He went on to share, “Hence, in the Super 50 level, and getting opportunities to represent West Indies. So, I think it did a great lot for my cricket. So, I must say thanks to the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent.”
Still on the topic of West Indies cricket, the spinner spoke about his time with the team this year, as he played his first international game in Maroon colours. About the camp, Sinclair sees it as a constant learning opportunity that would be conducive to any youngster’s career.
Sharing what he’s been able to grasp while on tour with the Men in Maroon, Sinclair stated, “It’s a general thing, to be honest. In terms of my batting, bowling and fielding, getting tips from different individuals in the team, and more so learning from everyone, because everyone has a level of knowledge that they know about the game. So, it’s about learning from each and everybody, and I think that the stage I’m at right now, I’m really developing on and off the field.”
He added with his usual smile, “I should say it’s a very good learning environment for any youngster, and I’m learning a lot from the West Indies set up,”
Sinclair is most often seen running up from either end of the pitch, with deceiving deliveries that can trap any batsman; but what most don’t know about the youngster is his ability to wield the bat. On his batting performances, which have been few over the past year, Sinclair is hoping to ‘show-up’ for the Biggest Party in Sport.
“I’m always ready for the opportunity. Once it’s given, I’m just looking to go out and do my best. I know much people (don’t) know my potential with the bat, and they haven’t seen it at the Regional level and the International level, so I think this year is going to be a very good year for me to come with the bat,” he related to this publication.
The Biggest Party in Sport wasn’t the same in 2020 without its fans; and even more than the cricketers on the field of play, the GAW bowler thinks that the fans are the ones who got lucky this year.
Sinclair commented, “It’s going to be a really good opportunity for them. Here, in Guyana, we had three games with the international team, people were very much alive, coming out and watch cricket after so long with the pandemic. So, I think it’s good for them to come and be part of the cricket, especially with the Biggest Party in Sport, CPL.”
About his fellow players, he said, “I think it’s going to be good, not for the spectators (only) but for the players too, with people cheering them on and everyone coming to support the teams.” Aside from his bowling, Sinclair’s visibility went through the roof when he executed a perfect somersault after picking up his first CPL wicket in 2020. He instantly became the talk of the town, with cricket enthusiasts looking forward to witnessing the bowler’s flips and tricks as he celebrated his success in his own unique way. And the back flips won’t stop soon, as Sinclair sees it as part of his trademark.
“I’m not planning to bring too much this year, or change it, or bring something new. It’s part of me, and I’m going to continue with it, you know; that’s my trademark, and I’m going to continue with it,” he explained.
When asked about any plans to switch it up, the question was met with another smile.
“I might bring something else, you never know, just keep your eyes open,” he teased with a laugh.