It is already public knowledge that Eccles resident, Ramnaresh Sarwan, has been promoted from vice captaincy to steering the West Indies as captain.
One description of his ascension to the post, according to some, is that “he has assumed the poisoned chalice, the captaincy of the West Indies team.”
This Guyanese first task is to lead West Indies on tour to England this month. He has been nicknamed Ronnie by friends.
This 26-year-old West Indies leader with his cricketing abilities and attractive half smile has not only won the hearts of his fans, but also the attention of ladies. However, while there is no public word on any talk of wedding bells, according to him, he's very much “committed to Gail”.
Gail recently graduated from Florida International University with a degree in International Business. “She moves me like no other woman can,” Sarwan says.
That aside, he describes himself as an easy going person. “I love being with my family and friends. But I also love being with my baby (Gail) even if it means jumping on a plane.”
“I don't think of myself as a boss man. I'm more of a guide who is willing to have all involved in what we do. It is never me alone; it's always a team effort.”
And while some refer to Ronnie as being more than the average 26-year-old in accomplishments he says, “I may be simple but I don't tolerate nonsense…I would be as humorous but I don't allow people to take advantage of my good nature.”
To him cricket is his life … “I love life, and I am enjoying every minute of it!”
Having already toured many countries that some can only dream about, there are those who have opined that this kid is in a privileged position to meet world leaders and other major public figures.
He would like to meet, aside from God, Ronaldo, Nelson Mandela and Roger Federer. He is a social drinker but does not smoke. His thrills and interests include jet skiing, table tennis, squash, lawn tennis, soccer and having a good time.
So what does captain Ronnie select as his favourite music genres? “Hip-Hop, R&B, Soca and Dancehall” while his favourite songs are Linking Park's “Numb,” Shakira's “Hips Don't Lie” and Akon's “I got you.”
According to this all-Caribbean kid, his current favourite artistes are ‘Beenie Man,' Celine Dion, Shakira and Akon while he prefers to dig into “shadows up” video games when not concentrating on cricket.
“I'm into video games big time. It helps me to relax,” Sarwan said.
He is not a big fan of television and he lists his favourite movies as ‘Black Hawk Down' and ‘Tears of the Sun'.
He lives by the quote “If God brings you to it he will bring you through it!!!”
His conviction is that “The Greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart!!”
“I personally believe that the greatest fear of failure is being afraid to fail.”
His advice to perspective cricketers is to be dedicated, committed and work hard towards the goal… “What you put in is what you will get out.”