BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Discarded West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin says he is still available for selection to the international side but has no plans on burdening himself with the pressure of a recall.

The 32-year-old has played 74 Tests and 139 One-Day Internationals but has not represented West Indies in 15 months, since he was axed from the one-day side.
However, Ramdin returned to first class cricket in the just concluded season, plundering 799 runs at an average of 61, including three hundreds and four half-centuries.

His form once again sparked debate over a possible recall but the Trinidadian said while he was always keen on playing for West Indies, he was happy to let his form speak for him.
“At the moment I’m enjoying life which is very important. My thing is to go out there and enjoy my cricket and I think I’m doing that at the moment,” Ramdin said here Monday.

“I’m putting runs on the board and whatever happens after that happens. I’m doing my part and hopefully whatever happens, (happens). If I do get a recall, if I don’t – so be it. I’m still enjoying life.”

He added: “If the opportunity comes I’ll take it, I’ll play. If it doesn’t, whatever cricket is left I’ll play. I’ll keep enjoying it.”
Ramdin, a former Test skipper, boasts an underwhelming record with the bat in the longest format, with just 2 898 runs at an average of 25. He is still considered by many as the region’s best gloveman, with 216 Test dismissals and 188 in one-dayers.

However, he was surprisingly dropped following on from a decent tour of Australia in 2015/16 where he stroked two half-centuries in his last four innings.
And even though recent selection policy has focussed on youth, Ramdin believes there is still a role for experienced players.

“If you look at other teams around the world, guys that are 32 make their debut and they do well,” he pointed out.

“I think they gather that experience over the years of first class cricket. Between 30 to 35, those are some of the best years of some players’ career. Some people see it differently.
“At the end of the day as an individual, you want to go out there and perform. Whichever team you are playing for and you’re performing well and you’re satisfied with your performances, the rest should take care of itself.”

Ramdin, who has skippered Red Force during the first class season and will lead them again in the Regional Super50 which bowled off Tuesday, said he would continue to focus on developing the inexperienced side.

“We have a young team and in the four-day we didn’t do too well but I’m glad we have some talent, and I can share (my) experience with the younger players and hopefully in five, six years to come they can change around things and do well for themselves and West Indies cricket.”