SPORTS
Sherdon Pierre
Batsman Vikash Mohan is living his dream after getting his first call-up for the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force for the first two matches of the 2022-2023 West Indies Championship against the Windward Islands Volcanoes and the Leeward Islands Hurricanes respectively.
An elated Mohan said, “Words cannot describe how happy I am to have been selected in the Red Force team. It was always a dream of mine to represent my country. This opportunity is truly a dream come true.”
Batting in the opening position in the Tests and the North-South Classic, Mohan caught the attention of the selectors by scoring 130 runs in four innings (55, 26 not out, 45, four not out) while grabbing several wickets.
Mohan has experience at the regional level, playing List A matches for Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) between 2016-2018 in the Super 50 tournaments. In his 20 innings for CCC he scored 381 runs with a best score of 79 runs.
“It’s just the beginning of a new journey and I’m fully focused on the task ahead,” he said. “Given this chance to represent the Red Force, I will try my best to grab it with both hands and hope more opportunities come my way in the future.”
The classy right-handed batsman has demonstrated leadership skills from a young age as captain of TT at all youth levels (U-13, U-15, U-19). His playing career started at Aranguez Cricket Club, then moved to Comets Cricket Club, where he won the National League title, and now he represents Clarke Road Cricket Club.
Mohan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of the West Indies. He was named the UWI sportsman of the year in 2017 for his outstanding performances. Then, later that year, he led the UWI St Augustine campus cricket team to the UWI Games title.
Mohan has played innumerable national and even US trials but so far has not received the nomination for the final selection. He admitted it has been challenging, but he kept his faith through the support of his family and friends.
“I never gave up! Cricket has truly shaped my life and shaped me into the individual I am today. It’s always been a part of my life, no matter where I play or who I play for. It’s about giving it your all every time you step on the cricket field and when opportunities arise – try to grab them with both hands.”
The Red Force travel to Grenada on Saturday for their match against the Windward Islands Volcanoes on January 31.
Red Force Squad: Darren Bravo (captain), Vikash Mohan, Tion Webster, Amir Jangoo, Terrance Hinds, Bryan Charles, Uthman Muhammad, Khary Pierre, Jyd Goolie, Yannic Cariah, Imran Khan, Jason Mohammed, Jeremy Solozano.
