Pollard tells youngsters talent not enough
West Indies star Kieron Pollard has challenged young cricketers to match their talent with discipline and preparation, warning that many gifted players fall short of their potential because they are unwilling to make the sacrifices required to succeed. “Talent might get you noticed. Discipline gives you the chance to stay to the top,” Pollard said during his feature address at the PowerGen Penal Cricket Club’s annual awards ceremony at Achievors Banquet Hall in Duncan Village, San Fernando, on Saturday. “Talent, for me, is important, but what I see in talented cricketers, they fall short, not because they have lacked the ability, but because they lack the discipline,” he said.
“Everybody wants the glamour of professional cricket. Everybody wants to hit the winning six, represent the West Indies, earn an IPL contract, but how many are prepared to get up at six in the morning to train?” he asked. “Everybody wants the glamour of professional cricket. Everybody wants to hit the winning six, represent the West Indies, earn an IPL contract, but how many are prepared to get up at six in the morning to train?” he asked. “How many will practice when their friends are relaxing? How many will repeat the same game skill until they get it right?” He explained that discipline meant arriving on time, respecting coaches and teammates, looking after one’s body, managing rest and doing extra work when nobody was watching.
Pollard’s address was delivered as PowerGen celebrated the achievements of its players and supporters, with Jeremy Solozano and Roberto Badree collecting the club’s top senior and youth awards respectively. Solozano was named Male Senior Cricketer of the Year, while Badree received the Youth Cricketer of the Year award. Leandra Ramdeen was named Female Cricketer of the Year. The club also recognised five Youth Cricketers of the Year — Saveer Deonarine, Roberto Badree, Bradley Jaimungal, Luke Ramlal and Jayden Jagnanan — and five Male Senior Cricketers of the Year — Avinash Mahabirsingh, Jon Russ Jagessar, Cephas Cooper, Jeremy Solozano and Navin Bidassie.
Four players — Shiva Harripersad, Kristoff Seeraj, Adeel Mohammed and Fareed Bann — received UTT/PowerGen scholarships, while Rishi Rampersad and Krishendath Persad were presented with Support Hero Awards.