While there have been several excellent performances throughout this men’s T20 World Cup, none have been as strong as Trinidad’s recent week. Rally ‘Round the West Indies, a calypso David Rudder penned in the early 1990s that is now the region’s cricket anthem, was performed live to a packed house under the lights, players and fans mistily eyed in a pin-drop setting.
After receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis last year, Rudder, 71, has reduced his activities; yet, on this particular night, his passion was unmatched, as the West Indies and their supporters were enthralled by his words and then embodied them in a thrilling comeback victory over New Zealand.
Even now, it gives fellow Trini Akeal Hosein, who sung the lyrics and was instrumental in the cause, chills. Speaking to Hosein while having a conversation at the team hotel one day before Wednesday’s Super Eight matchup with England, he describes it as “just breathtaking, just to stand there and witness him live.”
It was really amazing to see him step down and give it his all, to satisfy the crowd and perform precisely what the music demanded. Subsequently, I had to pay my respects to him. I was at a loss for words, so I just gave him a quick embrace and whispered, “Thank you, legend.”
Under Rovman Powell’s captaincy, the West Indies have been leaning into the hymn with four wins from four after the group stage (before the England match). His team from seven different countries shared the lyrics in their WhatsApp group prior to the tournament and were brought together by its message. There has also been a noticeable buzz on the islands that have been visited over the last two weeks, suggesting that something special and unique is happening for both the public and this global crew.
For any new cricket player, the West Indies remain the ultimate destination, according to Hosein. “Yes, franchise leagues exist along with other things. I can’t think of a more unique feeling than the one you get when you put on the maroon, though. Everyone gathers once they’ve been chosen, and it’s such a wonderful experience. Allies. Indeed, the fact that we come from diverse nations only serves to highlight our uniqueness. Each of us completes the puzzle. We also enjoy the support of our home crowd.