One of the most used comments which are often seen coming from the coaches and administrators of national sporting teams, is: "We are confident of victory."The emotional value of such a comment often leads us all into expectations as to the performances of our athletes.The departure of our Red Force cricket team to India has actually been accompanied by some very positive remarks from manager, coach, captain and some of the players, all promising that we will win the tournament.Clearly, there is no shortage of optimism, an approach which is utilised by many successful teams across the world.Maybe if these comments are accompanied by the game plan, some type of acquaintance of the opponents, the playing conditions and most importantly, our team preparation, the support base will be eager to follow the victory path.
As a patriot, I shall support the team regardless of the circumstances, hoping that they can realise their dream of success.However, having heard these pre-tournament comments so many times by these leaders, and the end-line shows a different story, I leave myself with the feeling that maybe, it's better to await the matches and determine whether or not there is substance in the early remarks.Few will challenge the opportunity for success when we read the names of the selected team, especially when they are placed next to their opponents.Our national team, unlike their opponents, have all enjoyed exposure at the international level, maybe except young Nicholas Pooran, hence the reason for the hype which precludes this talented group.In breaking down the strength of our batting, there must be optimism over the presence of Lendl Simmons, Adrian Bharath, Darren Bravo, Jason Mohammed, Evin Lewis and skipper Denesh Ramdin. The quality of batsmanship in this group spells absolute competence to predict that we have the goods to score an average of seven to 10 runs per over each time the team goes to the crease.
In the bowling department, Sunil Narine and Samuel Badree have been crowned as leading bowlers in the T20 game universally, while the speed, accuracy and consistency of Ravi Rampaul,Reyad Emrit and to a lesser extent Shannon Gabriel, have been known from time-to-time to reduce outstanding batting opponents to mediocre scores.Which team in the IPL can boast of back up players the quality of Sherwin Ganga, Yannick Ottley and Pooran?Admittedly, we have flattered to deceive on occasions when we least expect it, and it will take great emotional optimism to say that our fielding has been top of the line all the time.This brings us to the point when promises meet with reality, and the attitude and planned approach, accompanied by each individual's understanding of his function, must be grouped collectively to produce consistent performances in pursuit of the best results.
I have always been of the belief that predicting success is very dependent upon the analysis of the opponent, a feature which the T20 type of game is critical for this aspect.The decision making of the captain also takes huge responsibility, especially when and how he uses his bowlers. There are some who believe that a dot ball is close to the same value of a wicket, hence the reason why wide and no balls must be avoided, as they offer an extra run and one more ball to be bowled.Now, another favourite comment from team leaders after the matches are: "We did not use our game plan. The batters did not score runs. We gave too much away in the field by way of drop catches and misfields."That is the reason why my favourite comment to the team leaders is: "Don't tell us. Show us."Good luck to the Red Force against the Brisbane Heat tomorrow.