Rise of the Calypso Beat

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Rise of the Calypso Beat

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Yogesh Gandhi 23 Oct 2009

Well I just can’t stop smiling! And it has got nothing to do with me. Nor has Katrina finally proposed me. %-P

And even if she had, it just couldn’t be a joy that compares to this. Yes. After all those years spent hoping and then hoping against the hope that a Caribbean team will stamp its authority on the world of Cricket yet again and give us that unbrindled joy, here comes a team from Trinidad & Tobago that plays it’s Cricket with gay abandon.

Over this fortnight or so, they quietly came on to the scene and before anybody could blink an eye, charmed one and all with their Calypso brand of Cricket. Such is the sense of freedom in the way they play that you almost forget that this is a regional team comes from the troubled stable of West Indies. There are times when I think what is it that wins you the games really? Is it the strategy, the strength or just the ability to enjoy each moment of the game? T&T’s success can largely be attributed to their ability to back each other up and enjoy every little moment of the game. Their celebrations after the fall of the wicket are worth going miles to watch. Let Pollard hit a six and see what happens on the bench. It’s mad, it’s chaotic and it’s oh so beautiful!

Not having the burden of expectations can work wonders for a team that possesses ability. This team is loaded on that front. It looks so good that it can easily outshine their national squad, a full strength one at that. Bravo and skipper Ganga have played at the highest level before. It won’t be too long before the likes of Pollard, Barath, Lendl Simmons and Navin Stewart become household names. Not just in Caribbean, but world over. Already the Indians are backing them to the hilt. It’s almost like they are the next Indian side in the tournament. It does help when they have a bit of Indian connection in names like Ravi Rampaul and Darren Ganga. Traditionally too, Indians have had a great liking for teams from the island. Ask Reena Gupta if you don’t believe me ;-)

In tonight’s final, T&T look poised to create a history for themselves. Their batting has been exceptional. The raw energy and ability to hit anything beyond the boundaries with little effort will come in handy. They have the momentum on their side. Be it the chase or batting up front, they have been brilliant. Bowling has reponded well in crunch times and you should have seen some of the acrobatics by Pollard and company to see how well they field. Skipper Ganga has showed tremendous acumen and insight in leading a bunch of unknowns. But I believe the trait that will see them through any situation is their bravado. These guys just know no fear. Throwing the caution to the wind, these guys have been creating not just ripples but waves whenever they have stepped on the grass.

Tonight I will play a bit of Bob Marley. I will catch up with videos of Viv, Curtley and Brain before the game. Finally I see some of these blokes from T&T living up to the legend of their old masters. Hail the force from Caribbean. Good days are here again. :-)