Keemo Paul – The Next Bravo? – Exclusive Interview

Over the years, the West Indies is known to produce some outstanding players in cricket, with some having gone on to etch their names into the annals of cricket. At their best, the West Indies is one of the most feared and dangerous teams in the world cricket.

Although of late, the West Indies has not been so dominant as they once used to be, they still continue to produce some of the most talented and finest players, who have become household names around the world including the likes of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, Darren Sammy and Andre Russell, just to name a few who have gone on to international fame.

However, EssentiallySports has decided to feature some of the upcoming talented young cricketers of the region who are hoping to make it big on the international scene in the future. One such person is Keemo Paul, West Indies Under-19 player from Guyana. This talented all-rounder is proving to be quite a force at the regional scene since playing at national and regional level.

At present he can be compared to the likes of Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell and Dwayne Smith – bowling right arm medium pace. He also performed creditably with bat and ball under extreme pressure when his team needed him to deliver, making him one of Guyana’s most valuable players during the regional tournaments.

Keemo Paul has helped his country to retain their regional title. During that tournament, he scored 186 runs with 2 half centuries and scalped 9 wickets averaging about 30. When EssentiallySports caught up with him the excited young man was eager to share his plans for the future.

EssentiallySports : How do you feel about your selection for West Indies U-19 World Cup training squad camp?

Keemo Paul : Well, I felt very proud knowing that I had an average regional tournament so I am just hopeful that I would make the final 15 man squad and justify my place in the team.

EssentiallySports : What are you hoping for the future in terms of your career in cricket?

Keemo Paul : Well, right about now my short term goal is to get into the Guyana senior One Day team and then my ultimate goal is to play for West Indies. So right now, I’m just looking to be consistent and as disciplined as possible.

EssentiallySports : What version of the game do you like best?

Keemo Paul : Well I like the shorter versions, One Day and T20 but whatever I’m playing, I try to adapt.

EssentiallySports : Who is your cricketing idol?

Keemo Paul : AB de Villiers.

EssentiallySports : Who do you consider as your role model?

Keemo Paul : Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

EssentiallySports : How do you feel about the First Class / Domestic cricket in Guyana and the West Indies?

Keemo Paul : Well, I won’t want to comment on that but I think the standard is high and it continues to get higher with each season.

EssentiallySports : When did you decide that you wanted to play cricket for the West Indies?

Keemo Paul : Well, from since I started playing cricket, playing for West Indies was always my goal, from since I was four years old.

EssentiallySports : What have been the biggest difficulties you’ve faced in your pursuit of your dreams so far?

Keemo Paul : I have been hampered by some injuries.

EssentiallySports : What has been your most memorable performance till date?

Keemo Paul : Well, scoring 90 against the Leeward Islands last year and drawing the game for Guyana. Well, it was the first 3 day game for the regional U-19 tournament and we had 4 wickets left to bat out from lunch to close of play so I had to bat with the tail enders and I did that. Else we would have lost, if 4 wickets had fell. I can’t remember the date, but it was at Providence Guyana.

EssentiallySports : Even successful players like Gayle and Pollard have become more or less freelance cricketers, giving preference to club cricket over international matches, what impression or impact does this create on young U-19 players?

Keemo Paul : Not much of an impact because as young players our main and foremost goal is to play for the West Indies and put them as the first priority.

EssentiallySports : What is the most special moment in the history of WI cricket for you?

Keemo Paul : When we defeated Australia in Australia in a test series. I can’t remember the year though.

EssentiallySports : Thank you, Keemo Paul for talking with us. All of us at EssentiallySports wish you all the very best for your career and hope you achieve your dreams.