PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago captain Daren Ganga has downplayed any possible Test recall, stressing his focus was currently on leading his side at the cash-rich Champions League Twenty20 later this year. The right-handed opener plundered 620 runs during the recent Regional First Class Championship at an average of 77.50, to force himself back into the selection frame ahead of the Pakistan series.
“At this point in time, it would be a great opportunity for me to play for the West Indies and as much as I think about it sometimes, that is not my main focus,” said the 30-year-old, who played the last of his 48 Tests over three years ago.
“Yes, I will be ready for it, but those things are beyond my control and I spend less time and energy thinking about it. For now we’ve got a very big opportunity to represent T&T again in the 2011 Champions League in India and that is where my focus is right now.”
Ganga, who led the Windies in two Tests four years ago in England when then captain Ramnaresh Sarwan was injured, possesses an unflattering Test record.
He has compiled three hundreds in scoring 2 160 runs at an average of 25.71, and has been unable to command a spot in the regional side since making his debut 13 years ago.
Ganga said despite not having played international cricket in recent years, leading T&T in the domestic tournaments had been fulfilling.
“For the time being, the success in regional cricket is something that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed,” he explained.
“Anybody involved in sport would tell you that the reason they’re involved is because of their passion and love for the game. I’m still motivated to train and to do well, and for now it’s about enjoying my cricket.”
“One of the fundamental things about leading a team is reaching out and assisting in the development of young talent and I can boast that (Adrian) Barath and (Darren) Bravo received a very warm reception coming into the T&T team, and we can all see what they have gone on to accomplish.”
In January, Ganga led T&T to the capture of the Caribbean Twenty20 title, also clinching a spot in the CLT20.