TRAVIS PERSAUD: aiming to become a ‘Jaguar’ and future Windies player

Aspirant from the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA)…

By Timothy Jaikarran

Despite the hardships and restrictions on sport dictated by the COVID-19 pandemic, 22-year-old Travis Persaud, an elegant right-handed opening batsman, spin- bowler, and proud offspring of Sudesh Persaud and Sajewatie Ramrattan of the agricultural community of Canal #1, West Bank Demerara, has his heart set on becoming a member of the Guyana Jaguars team, and someday playing cricket for the West Indies.
Restricted by national directives from indulging to his heart’s desire in the game he loves most, Travis opened up to Guyana Times Sport as he reflected on his 2019-2020 cricket season and of ‘his dream to go places’ in that game.
He said he hopes to break into the Guyana squad, as he has been having stellar performances over the years.
A former Guyana Youth Player, Travis is no stranger to the limelight, having represented Guyana in Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 cricket tournaments.
He had, respectively in 2015 and 2016, captained the winning Guyana Under-19 team which toured Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Travis has had a brilliant 2019-2020 cricket season on the West Demerara, most of which involved participation in the Beacon Cafe 50 Overs Competition. This explosive right-hander was the leading batsman in that recently concluded WDCA competition, in which he racked up a massive 457 runs at an impressive average of 50.7; scored two centuries and two half-centuries; and grabbed a 4-wicket and a 6-wicket haul.
Travis was also the most decorated awardee at the Mc Gill Super Stars Sports Club Awards Ceremony held in 2019. He was recognized for being the best fielder, producer of the highest individual score, and recorder of the most runs.
With this background and his dear love for cricket, Travis Persaud’s main objectives are to represent Guyana again, but especially to represent the West Indies in the future. His sight is set on firstly earning a spot in the CGI Academy set-up, and then taking it from there one step at a time.
Travis Persaud has been ‘on the radar’ for quite some time. He has consistently been recording good performances, and is hopeful that his hard work will pay off. He noted that “it’s been a while” since he has been out of the Guyana Team, but says he is still confident that an opportunity would soon be presented him.
“All I have to do is continue to put out good performances and let the selectors do their job,” a hopeful Travis Persaud has declared.
Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, Travis urges everyone to take the necessary precautions in regard to their wellbeing, and adhere to all the stipulated safety procedures.