By Brandon Corlette
Joshua Da Silva is a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force team and is also a West Indies Emerging Player, and he certainly is on the rise. The 21-year-old, who made his ‘List A’ debut for the victorious West Indies Emerging Players team in the 2019 Regional Super50 tournament, has now solidly rocked the Red Force colors in the 2020 Regional 4-Day Tournament.
This publication spoke with this wicket-keeper/batsman, who reflected on life in the Super50 and the Regional 4-Day tournaments. “My Super50 experience is something I will never forget: from (us being) a bunch of guys who had two days before a tournament to bond and get to know each other, to going all the way and winning the trophy,” he declared.
Da Silva disclosed that the foremost intention of the Emerging Players was to showcase their talent to the world. “We did not make (it into) our home territories’(teams), but we got an opportunity to play the sport we love. I will forever be grateful for the family we became, and the bond we all shared,” he explained.
Da Silva finished that Super50 tournament with 331 runs in ten matches, scoring at an average of 41.37. This talented ‘gloves-man’ scored one century and one half-century in that successful Super50 campaign, and effected 15 catches and one stumping. He has since attained greater success, and is currently the fifth most successful batsman in this Regional 4-Day season, having scored 507 runs at a stunning average of 50.70. He has a high score of 113* and three half-centuries proverbially ‘under his belt’.
Reflecting on the eight rounds so far played in this tournament, Da Silva said his goals were to get that maiden 100 ‘under his belt’, and to secure a spot for the entire season. “I’ve been batting well, so I’m just trying to continue with the basics and not try things out of the ordinary. That’s been my main strategy for this year,” he confided.
Having some experienced campaigners as his mates in the Red Force team has facilitated him obtaining knowledge to expand his expertise, he disclosed. “The experienced players have helped a lot. From Jason Mohammed with my batting to Denesh Ramdin with my keeping, (their presence) has helped me a lot, and shaped me into a much better player. I ask questions when (help is) needed after an innings,” he explained.
Always looking to improve on his performance, Joshua Da Silva declared that he always approaches his teammates and asks what he could have done better or add to his game to become a better player. Da Silva had this to say about his aspirations regarding the West Indies Team: “Of course I would be aiming for a West Indies call-up, but I’m just playing cricket and focusing on what I can control. (I am) just going to try to keep on scoring runs when I can, and once the opportunity presents itself, I’d give my all and make the most of any opportunity.”
Da Silva has expressed gratitude to his parents, who watch every game in which he is participating, either in person in Trinidad or on the Youtube stream elsewhere. “They are always there and continue to support me. I must (also) thank all my coaches and teammates for the advice and tips,” he added. He noted that the 4-Day Championship has been a great challenge.
“In the first game, I scored 113 not-out, then immediately after, I had to go and wicket-keep. 190 overs later, that was definitely quite challenging; but that’s my job as a wicket-keeper/batsman. My fitness levels are much better, and I’m continuing to work towards my goals to get fitter and fitter,” he explained.
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