Leverock Reflects on Cricket Pedigree and Football Roots
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s Kamau Leverock has opened up about the "big influence" of his family’s sporting legacy as he continues his high-profile stint in the Legends League Cricket in India.
Speaking from Haldwani, where he is currently representing the India Tigers, the 31-year-old all-rounder touched on a childhood steeped in elite competition. Leverock, who recently fell agonizingly short of a half-century in a narrow loss to the Mumbai Spartans, was quick to credit his family’s deep roots in the game for his lifelong passion.
"I’ve got cricket on both sides of my family," Leverock revealed. "I had an uncle that played for the West Indies in the 80s—my dad’s brother—so just watching both of those guys, my uncle and my dad, they had a big influence. I was passionate from a young age; I was actually in the Barbados newspaper when I was two, and they were calling me the next Brian Lara."
The Leverock name is synonymous with Bermudian sporting history. Kamau is the nephew of the iconic Dwayne "Sluggo" Leverock, the left-arm spinner whose spectacular diving catch against India in the 2007 World Cup remains one of the sport's most enduring images.
Despite the heavy expectations that come with such a pedigree, the younger Leverock has forged his own path as a world-traveling franchise specialist. However, during his interview in India, he admitted that his career could have taken a very different direction on the football pitch.
Before fully committing to the willow and red leather, Leverock was a standout prospect for Bermuda. "I played football as well," he noted. "I played football for Bermuda up until Under-17 level. So yeah, I would have possibly chased that game as well."
That dual-sport foundation has clearly served him well in the high-intensity world of T20 cricket. As the youngest player in a dressing room filled with legends, Leverock has become a vital source of "youthful energy" for the Tigers.
"It’s quite interesting to be around a lot of the legends," he added. "It’s great to be on the same field as guys that I’ve watched. I watched Kirk Edwards as a young kid when I was in Barbados visiting family, so it's a great experience."
With the Legends League entering its final stages, Leverock’s focus remains on providing the "impetus" the Tigers need to climb the table, all while carrying the pride of a Bermudian sporting dynasty into the heart of India.
