A former captain of the Guyana National U-19 Cricket team, Travis Persaud is no stranger to the spotlight and the pressure that comes with it. However, now 22-years-old, Persaud has his sights set on making the next step to the National Senior set up.
In a recent sit down with The 592 Dugout, Travis spoke about his journey thus far. One of the most resounding statements that the rising star made was; “My message to the youngsters out there is to keep working towards your goals, difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations, obstacles will always be blocking your way to success but keep working hard because hard work always pay off, and always remember that failure is not the opposite of success, its apart of it”.
Persaud who was born and raised in the agricultural village of Canal #1 on the West Bank of Demerara, recalled the beginning of his love affair with the ‘Gentleman’s Game’; “My love for cricket originated from seeing my father play cricket for the now popular West Side cricket club ‘McGill Superstars Sports Club’. I started out as a scorer for the club at just 9-years-old after continuously watching my dad play”.
Three years later, Travis joined the Georgetown based Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) where he began playing cricket at the U-13 level before progressing to the U-15 level.
He would go on to play for the Guyana U-15 team in 2012 after enjoying success in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter-association and Inter-County U-15 championships. During those outings, Persaud was named Man of the Match for his stellar performance against Trinidad and Tobago in the WICB Regional U-15 tournament held in St Kitts and Nevis. The youngster at the time contributed with scores of 49 and 72 respectively in Guyana’s 1st and 2nd innings, he also picked up six wickets in the game.
Currently, Persaud plays for the Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown and McGill Superstars in the West Demerara Franchise.
He has been training with the Guyana Jaguars as a guest athlete and has been enjoying the fruits of his sacrifice and hard labour. In the concluded West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) Beacon Café’s 50-Over competition earlier this year, Persaud emerged as the leading run-scorer amassing 451 runs at an average of 50.1.
Quizzed about how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected his path towards his goals, Persaud revealed; “I have been doing independent training at home to keep myself fit and ready for the resumption of cricket, most of my time is spent batting in bowler friendly conditions during this time which is a daunting task for any batsman but I am putting in the necessary work that will push me towards achieving my goals”.
When cricket resumes, Persaud maintained; “My first goal is to get into the Jaguar’s Academy set up so that I can continue to benefit from their programs”.
Having captained the Guyana National U-19 Team on four occasions, two of which he won, Persaud is hungry for more. Something that continues to motivate him to reach for his dreams; playing first class cricket for the Guyana Jaguars and ultimately the Windies.
The 592 Dugout 