Many may simply have forgotten the West Indies tour of India that took place back in 2018.
One of the reasons for that is simply down to the fact that a lot has happened since in Caribbean cricket, which doesn’t only include the ODI World Cup 2019; the likes of Gayle hardly feature in limited overs cricket, Samuels is a former cricketer, there’s no sign of Sammy in national colours, and while Russell plays only just with too many ifs and buts, the likes of Pollard have called time on their West Indies career.
And in such time, too many bright talents have emerged in the white ball game that point to a whiff of optimism in West Indies cricket for one to remember what took place in the past: Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh jr., Sherfane Rutherford, to quote a few.
In between, the intrepid fans back home witnessed some blazing performances from the likes of Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Shamarh Brooks, Rahkeem Cornwall, all of whom have been impressive in patches in Tests.
Then emerged the most interesting duo of Kyle Mayers and Nkrumah Bonner like a breath of fresh air in West Indies cricket.
But the other reason that the West Indies tour to India back in 2018 isn’t quite remembered as such is the fact that it wasn’t a series where the then-Carlos Brathwaite-led side (another player who’s no more found in the West Indies colours) didn’t perform to expectation.
In fact, they were hapless.
Besides losing all three T20Is as well as the two Tests that were held back then, the only contest that the visitors were able to hold onto was third ODI held in Pune.
But someone who may not have forgotten the ODI series, in particular, it could be argued, was a certain Obed McCoy.
The then lesser-known Caribbean commodity who has found a name and place for himself in the famous franchise-based T20 league called the IPL!
As a matter of fact, Obed McCoy, who’s just recently earned rich plaudits from none other than the prince of Sri Lankan cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, may never forget the 2nd ODI that took place in India.
For it were to be his debut game, a contest where he’d pick the big wickets of MS Dhoni as well as Ravindra Jadeja.
In the very next game as well, the then-debutant would pick two more wickets and emerge as someone who could perhaps usher Windies cricket into a positive new direction.
Though, from that point on, a lot has happened in the life of Obed McCoy, a newcomer then, and perhaps an obvious pick where West Indies white-ball duties are concerned in present-day cricket.
So far, he’s picked nineteen wickets from just thirteen T20Is, including picking a famous four-for, something one doesn’t quite see in the game’s briefest format.
But it’s his commitment to Rajasthan Royals’ cause and the urgency to deliver with his cutters and length balls, particularly in the death overs, that have earned him a space of respect among the game’s smashing newsmakers and hitmakers.
So much so that his recent performances were keenly observed by none other than Sangakkara, a key member of the RR think-tank!
The above told, the following is what former Sri Lanka batter and an all time great in the game, Kumar Sangakkara had to say about the Rajasthan Royals player Obed McCoy, who’s emerged as a true asset for his side:
“McCoy’s mother has been quite ill in the West Indies and he’s had to deal with all of that and yet was focused and exceptional tonight. His commitment has been superb.”
Furthermore, what ought to be said is that surely when you perform well, you will get headlines. But it’s rare to find valuable thoughts and comments from some of the most stylish and accomplished names in the sport.