Dear Editor,
Prolific left-arm leg spinner Veerasammy Permaul would have been the best choice to replace Leon Johnson as the Guyana Jaguars’ captain. Instead the selectors have chosen a replacement player, Vishaul Singh, to lead the team following the departure of Johnson, Chanderpaul and Fudadin for West Indies duties. Vishaul Singh did not even play in the first two games that the Jaguars won outright, and historically he has never commanded a regular place throughout his brief career. The argument for his elevation to the captaincy therefore is neither compelling nor convincing. With the team brimming with confidence and gelling, a stable and results-oriented choice for captain would have been the more logical option.
In such a case, Veerasammy Permaul whose experience of having captained the team before, including at the level of West Indies’ A’, makes him the ideal candidate at this time. His outstanding performance so far would have also inspired further confidence in the team, since leadership demands security and inspiration from the holder. I am not convinced therefore that Vishaul Singh can quickly assert himself since he will first have to cement his place in the team. While I am not questioning his ability, since he has potential as a batsman, the high expectations and tough responsibilities may just overwhelm his fragile shoulders.
The team has temporarily erased the wretched memories of not winning a single match during last year’s tournament, but they have now begun exposing the true marks of the Jaguar, with convincing victories against the Leeward and Windward Islands. The season will get tougher especially when they have to play abroad. Leadership, therefore, will be crucial for the team going forward successfully, and a proven Jaguar needed to be at the helm. It is early days yet and while the verdict has been given, the hope is that the team will remain focused and determined in executing their game plan.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
