KINGSTON, Jamaica – Denesh Ramdin will become just the third West Indian wicket-keeper to reach the treasured landmark of 100 One-Day Internationals when he lines up against India in the second game of the CELKON Mobile Cup tri-nation tournament on Sunday.
The 28-year-old, who made his debut in 2005, says he is looking forward to the magical milestone but promises he won’t be overawed as the home side look for a second win to follow up Friday’s victory over Sri Lanka at Sabina Park.
Ramdin will join the legendary Jeff Dujon and the lion-hearted Ridley Jacobs as the only Windies keepers in the 100 club in this format of the game.
"It has always been a great honour and a huge privilege to represent the West Indies and to make it to 100 matches is something special and something I’m proud of," Ramdin told WICB Media.
"It will be one of those records going down in the book. I relish all my opportunities and always look to give all I have for the West Indies team."
He continued: "It doesn’t matter where you play. I will take it one ball at a time. Hopefully we will overcome the Indians when we face them tomorrow. They got the better of us in the ICC Champions Trophy in England earlier this month, but we are in different conditions now, where it is quite hot and humid.
"It should be a good contest. I believe we can do it – we have the self-confidence and we will have the crowd behind."
Ramdin made his international debut in Sri Lanka as a 20-year-old after showcasing his talent as wicket-keeper and captain of the West Indies Under-19 and for Trinidad & Tobago.
He has so far made 1140 runs with a best score of 96 made against India at in 2011 – which is the highest ODI score by a West Indies wicket-keeper. Ramdin also holds the record for the highest Test score by a Windies keeper – 166 against England back in 2009.
He has been very good behind the stumps with 128 catches and six stumpings in his 99 ODI appearances.
"I would like stats to be a bit different, where I could have achieved a bit more, but batting late down in the order sometimes you get out for a little bit when you wished you could do a lot more, but you always have to look at the team situation and what the team requires," was Ramdin offered as an assessment of his career so far.
"I am looking to maybe play for maybe another six or seven years and achieve much more and win more titles for the West Indies and bring glory to our cricket."