By Michelangelo Jacobus
As one of two Guyanese cricketers selected to represent the West Indies at the upcoming U-19 World Cup (January) in South Africa, batsman Mavindra Dindyal told Stabroek Sports, “It’s an honour to represent the West Indies at any level, and it was one of my goals to play at an U-19 world cup.”
The stylish right-handed batsman who began his journey into the ‘gentleman’s game’ at the Gandhi Youth Organisation club looks up to Virat Kohli and draws inspiration from Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure and craft his innings according to the situation at hand.
Since moving to the iconic Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) about seven years ago, Dindyal has stepped up his game year after year with his father as his ever-favourite support system, along with his family, whom the young man sees as his biggest “motivating factor.”
Having already donned the legendary ‘Maroon’ of the West Indies at the U-15 level in 2019, Dindyal is slowly ticking off his goals one by one. Despite his steady progress, the youngster is keeping focused with a quiet determination to not let any pressure throw him off his game.
“My goal is to be simple and be myself as an individual. I expect it to be a very good tournament, and I just want to go out there and execute, not pressure myself. I hope to play a key role for my team in any department. Whether it be batting, bowling, or fielding, I will definitely give 100% of myself in the games that I play in. I just want to make good use of any opportunity given to me,” declared the outspoken Dindyal.
Along the way, the youngster has worked with many coaches, each of whom he credits for his progress throughout the years: “I really appreciate the work each and every one of them has put in with me; they know themselves.”
“I just go back to the drawing board when it gets difficult; extra work is what really counts for me.”
In a telling statement from someone so young, it is clear that Dindyal’s work ethic as an athlete is deeply rooted in professionalism, although his career is still in its infancy.
It also helps that his father is always there as a guiding light, even in times when the young man doesn’t feel like putting in the work on his rare off-day.
“I’m very happy and thankful for that, for everyone who has supported me in my journey so far.”
Back in 2019, when the West Indies U-15 side toured England, Dindyal, along with fellow selectee Jordan Johnson (from Jamaica), was earmarked as one for the future. Back then, Steve Liburd, the WI U-15 Coach and Developmental Officer, had said, “Mavendra Dindyal and Jordan Johnson from Guyana and Jamaica, respectively, looked the part every time they batted.”
At a time when more and more Guyanese are being selected to represent the region at the senior level, Dindyal’s future looks bright and remains firmly in his hands. The young batsman will have his fellow countryman, rising fast-bowler Isai Thorne, for company in South Africa.
For the ICC World Cup, the West Indies have been drawn alongside hosts South Africa, Scotland, and England in Group B for their first-round matches. All three matches will be played at the J.B. Marks Oval in Potchefstroom. Before that, they will have warm-up matches against New Zealand and Nepal in Johannesburg.
India, who won the tournament in 2022, is placed in Group A with Bangladesh, Ireland, and the USA. Group C features Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, while Group D is made up of Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Nepal.
The top three sides from each group will progress to the Super Six phase, which will be played from January 30 to February 3. The semi-finals are slated for February 6 and 8, with the final set for February 11 at Willowmore Park in Benoni.
West Indies Roster
Stephan Pascal (Captain) – right-handed bat
Nathan Sealy (Vice-Captain) – right-handed bat/left-arm spin
Jewel Andrew – right-handed bat/wicket-keeper
Mavendra Dindyal – right-handed bat/right-arm leg-spin bowler
Joshua Dorne – right-handed bat
Nathan Edward – left-handed bat/left-arm fast bowler
Tarrique Edward – right-handed bat/right-arm off-spin bowler
Reon Edwards – left-handed bat/left-arm fast bowler
Deshawn James – right-handed bat/right-arm fast bowler
Jordan Johnson – left-handed bat
Devonie Joseph – left-handed bat/wicket-keeper
Raneico Smith – right-handed bat/right-arm fast bowler
Isai Thorne – right-handed bat/right-arm fast bowler
Steve Wedderburn – left-handed bat
Adrian Weir – right-handed bat
Management/Technical Team
Rohan Nurse (Head Coach)
Rohan Clarke (Assistant Coach)
Nick Wilton (Assistant Coach)
Dwain Gill (Team Manager)
Dominic Angoy (Physiotherapist)
Gregory Seale (Strength and Conditioning Coach)
