He was appointed to the coaching staff of the West Indies men’s cricket team in January on the back of an exceptional regional record and was surely gearing up for the ongoing ICC 50 World Cup, however, it wasn’t to be.
A few months into his role, Esuan Crandon along with a few others, were sacked from Windies’ coaching ranks following the election of Ricky Skerritt as Cricket West Indies’ new President.
Considered an unfortunate causality of the region’s political cricket landscape, Crandon, in his first interview following his sacking sat down with Stabroek Sport to not only articulate his dismay of how thing unfolded but also to share his optimism of returning to the top coaching post in the region.
“I was disappointed. Obviously, I was disappointed when I got the news that I was not going on to the World Cup because I was preparing for it, preparing my mind for it…,” the easy-going Crandon said of his premature severance from the Caribbean side’s coaching gig.
“But… that’s how it goes sometimes. It’s life and you have to know how to deal with disappointments,” Crandon said, noting that the disappointment fashioned the scene for one of the most difficult periods in his life.
Now back at the helm of the successful Guyana Jaguars set up, Crandon revealed that ‘all is not lost’ and he is preparing for another successful run with the South American Franchise.
He is also hoping to use his exposure at the top level to impart whatever he can in aid of elevating a few local talents onto the international circuit.
“I don’t see myself as a young coach anymore because I’ve been around for a while now… I’ve gained a fair amount of knowledge and experience over the years and what is important to me is moving forward.
“The Director and CEO of the West Indies Cricket Board contacted me about not going forward with the team, specific reasons weren’t given but they are saying that I’m an investment for West Indies Cricket and I’m still in the system and he [Jimmy Adams] thinks highly of me and he wants me to be around.”
In light of the foregoing, cricket pundits have argued that a measure of Crandon’s worth to West Indies cricket will be tested during the India ‘A’ upcoming tour of the Caribbean. He should be viewed as one of the leading candidates for the Windies ‘A’ head coach role.
Nevertheless, Crandon, who during the interview, spoke with a tinge of regret in his voice, said his brief stint of coaching at the highest level has helped him blossom as a coach.
“A lot to things stuck out to me. As I told a number of people when I returned… that experience makes me better equipped to be an all-around coach.
“It has also helped me to be in a better position to serve Guyana’s cricket and West Indies cricket in the future and to observe how things operate at the highest level.
“(Richard) Pybus, when he brought me on his staff, said to me that the opportunity is for me to see how things operate here. He said winning five championships – well four at that time – isn’t easy so he wanted me to see how the engine runs.
“But obviously, I’ve learnt a lot from all the coaches and players. I also had the opportunity to share at times,” Crandon said noting that though brief, the experience and opportunity has really left a mark on him as both a coach and a person.
He is also backing the Caribbean side to lift the World Cup.
