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Shiva Vashishat

‘Team Success Is What I Enjoy Most’

Prior to departure for New Zealand, USA U19 captain, Shiva Vashishat reflects on an incredible year of success for USA cricket

Interview by Dr. Sham Samaroo

December 31, 2009

 

This has been a wonderful year for US cricket. What do you attribute it to?

Yes, this was an incredible year for US cricket. I think that we owe a lot to Mr. Lockerbie. I believe that he is doing more things behind the scenes that we don’t hear about.  I have spoken with some of the senior players too, and they all agree that we have never had someone like Lockerbie working for US cricket.  We can’t be thankful enough for all that he is doing.

 

What are your thoughts on the recent USA and New Zealand collaboration?

It’s just great!  Recently when we were at the camp in Florida, two of the coaches, Dipak Patel and Hamish Barton flew in from New Zealand to work with us. I can’t tell you just how helpful that has been. They shared with us their experiences, and what it takes to compete at the international level…the professionalism, the commitment. It was a wonderful experience and everyone there benefitted a lot from it.  

 

          

The dream for a spot in the 2015 World Cup is very much alive. This is a great time for USA cricket.

Photo © Venus Auxier

In a few days Team USA leaves for the U19 World Cup – tell me about the journey here.   

It’s been a great experience for all the players, from winning the national championship in New York to qualifying for the World Cup in Toronto.  We learnt a lot playing in Toronto…what it takes to compete at the international level. When we were together in Florida everyone was very excited and looking forward to playing against the top teams at the World Cup. But we see it as continuing our learning experience and growing from strength to strength.

 

Speaking of strength, what do you consider to be the team’s strong point?

Both our batting and bowling is strong. But I am also very high on our fielding. My personal opinion is that our fielding will be the key…it will make the difference for us. 

 

What are your goals for this tournament?

Team success is what I enjoy most.  Don’t get me wrong, individual success is important too but when it results in team success I am very happy.  We play as a team, and I am very proud to lead such a wonderful, talented group of guys. Like I said it will be a learning experience for us. [At Left: Ryan Corns won Player of the Tournament Award at the ICC Global Qualifier in Toronto last summer]

 

 

 

Steven Taylor is joining the team out of Florida. Have you had a chance to see him?

Yes, I saw him at the camp in Florida. I am happy to have him on the team. He is very talented – in addition to being a wicketkeeper he gives you the added option of an attacking opening batsman. [At right: Steven Taylor was the leading batsman at the ICC America's Cup in New York last summer]

 

I saw the talented Saqib Saleem in New York. Will he be making the trip?

Yes he is!  Unfortunately he couldn’t travel with us to Toronto but now everything is ok and he is going to New Zealand.  Saqib is extremely talented and the hundred he scored in New York put us in the finals.[At left: The talented Saqib Saleem will be joining the squad]

 

In the last few days, several players including you won equipment

contracts. Tell me about this.  

We are very thankful and its really good news for the team. Mr. Chubb Bedessee in New York is the person who made it all happen. Saqib Saleem and Muhammad Ghous signed with CA Sports; Ryan Corns with Gunn and Moore; Steven Taylor with Slazenger; Gregory Sewdial and Regis Burton with Sanspareils Greenlands; and I signed with Gray Nicolls.

 

Looking ahead what do you see for this team?

We talked a lot about this and we all agree that this U19 World Cup is only the first step. Looking ahead, our dream is to make the senior team.  Its all a great learning experience!

 

CEO Don Lockerbie has earmarked the 2015 World Cup as goal. What do you think?

I am sure it will happen. We are all talking about the strides that cricket made this year and we are improving everyday. The dream for a spot in the 2015 World Cup is very much alive. I know we can do it. This is a great time for USA cricket and I am very happy.   

 

 

The full squad is Shiva Vashishat (Captain), Salman Ahmad, Regis Burton, Ryan Corns, Muhammad Ghous, Naseer Jamali, Abhijit Joshi, Azurdeen Mohammed, Saqib Saleem, Gregory Sewdial, Yash Shah, Hammad Shahid, Saami Siddiqui, Steven Taylor and Henry Wardley. Coach Sew Shivnarain, Manager John Wesley King.

Courtesy of the recent agreement between USA and New Zealand, the team will train at the New Zealand national training facility and the High Performance Centre in Christchurch.   The team will play two warm up matches against India on Janaury 11, and PNG on January 12. While in New Zealand local coaches will work with the US team to prepare them for the Cup.   

 

Photo © Venus Auxier