Ramnaresh Sarwan by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

RR Sarwan

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DateLine: 3rd May 2009

 

Ramnaresh Sarwan, the right-handed middle order batsman who forms the core of the Windies batting alongside skipper Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul was born and brought up in South America. He made his Test debut against Pakistan in 2000 and was hailed as someone who was made for greater things because of his remarkable strokeplay which he displayed via a stupendous 84 not out on debut. In 2000 on the tour to England, Sarwan continued with his good work and topped the batting charts. His precise footwork and supreme feet movement made him a delight to watch and he showed no signs of weaknesses when it came to batting. He continued to climb up the ladder of success as he scored his maiden Test century against Bangladesh and it had been a long time due. His hard work was justly rewarded when he took over as Brian Lara's vice-captain in March 2003. Since then, he has been having a fairly consistent run with the bat and in 2003-04 on the South African tour, he averaged almost 100. He was part of the West Indian team who triggered a mini revival in their ODI fortunes as they reached the finals of the NatWest Series and then won the ICC Champions Trophy with Sarwan playing an important role in both. However, he was one of the players involved in the contract dispute between with WICB and missed the first Test against South Africa in 2005. On his return, his form fell and continued to suffer a lean spell until the 2007 World Cup, after which he was handed the captaincy of the team, something long overdue. But injuries took their toll and ever since he has been playing a game of musical chairs in juggling the captaincy with good friend Chris Gayle.