Borde: TKR staff became one unit

TEAM manager of the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) Colin Borde thanked the support staff for their work behind the scenes in preparing the players on their title run, which culminated with an eight-wicket victory in the final.

Borde, the manager of TKR since the inaugural CPL in 2013, has had a front-row view of TKR’s four CPL titles (one as TT Red Steel).

Captain Kieron Pollard and vice-captain Dwayne Bravo guided TKR to victory over St Lucia Zouks in the 2020 final at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, on September 10.

In a Whatsapp message to Newsday, Borde said, “Special mention to (coach) Brendon McCullum for his easy approach to guiding the team. He listened attentively to the team leaders and formulated his plans.”

McCullum, a former TKR player, made valuable contributions at the top of the order with his destructive batting during his playing days.

The backroom staff included Borde, McCullum, bowling coaches Kevon Cooper and Nikita Miller, massage therapist Kelli Sankar, logistics/equipment manager Sheldon Sewnarine, strength and conditioning coach Zeph Nicholas and analyst AR Srikkanth.

“All the individuals became one unit in the approach to preparing the team,” Borde said.

The TKR manager said the staff had discussions regularly to ensure the players were ready for battle.

“Each skill set was used to complement the other with the hourly sharing of information. This way we were able to be in touch with all that was needed to ensure that the team was always mentally and physically prepared.”

Borde said it then became the responsibility of the players to deliver. “They then had to go out and produce the efforts that we knew they were capable of.”

The TKR staff also enjoys the time together.

“When we get together it’s a joyous and fun occasion each time. It’s like a family time.”