West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin was surprised that he was overlooked for a West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) retainer contract, but insists that not being centrally contracted could be a blessing in disguise.

Ramdin, who made his debut for West Indies in 2005, admitted that his performances were not the best this season. He says, though, he is not going to dwell on the past, but instead, will be looking towards the future.

Ramdin was one of six players whose contracts were not renewed for the coming season. The others were Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome Taylor, Travis Dowlin, Narsingh Deonarine and Dave Bernard.

Asked about his initial reaction to the news, Ramdin said: "It was a surprise, knowing that I am the number one wicketkeeper.

"It was a bit shocking because there were no wicketkeepers named for central contracts but I am not going to let this hamper me. When one door closes, two more open. It could be a blessing in disguise."

Ramdin explained that if he were under a central contract he would be obligated to the WICB at all times.

"Now I have some freedom to move around a bit more. If an opportunity comes I will be free to go out and play in the Indian Premier League, In England or maybe in the US (United States)," he stated.

"I am a little bit disappointed. Having played for the West Indies for the past five years, I was expecting some sort of contract but I don't think that should stop me from getting picked. I will continue to work hard to get back to full fitness and try to improve my performances."

In three Tests against Australia late last year, Ramdin managed just 96 runs at an average of 16 and a high score of 54. This year, he played three Tests against South Africa and averaged 15.75 in five innings with a high score of 27.

Ramdin has so far represented West Indies in 42 Tests and averages 22.80 with a high score of 166, which he hit against England in February last year.

When asked about his performances during the past season, Ramdin said: "I put in a lot of hard work throughout the season. Having said that, I think it is more of mental than physical. Not getting a start on some occasions and when I get a start, not carrying on to make a big score.

"I was quite happy in the squad. It was just bad shot selection. Sometimes overconfidence forced me to lose my wicket...playing shots too early. But in the future I will learn from my mistakes and I will be a better player," the 25-year-old wicketkeeper added.

Ramdin, who is recovering from a back injury sustained during T&T's Caribbean Twenty20 match against Jamaica in July, is hoping to get some runs under his belt in the regional one-day competition, which takes place in Jamaica next month.

Ramdin said he is happy that his T&T teammates, Adrian Barath and Darren Bravo have been awarded retainer contracts.

"They were on developmental contracts and now they have proven themselves. They were there for a while and they are good enough. I am happy for Kieron (Pollard) as well…hopefully things will work out for the best."

T&T, the defending regional one-day champions, are set to resume training tomorrow.

West Indies are scheduled to tour Sri Lanka later this year, and the regional one-day competition is the last opportunity for the players to address the regional selectors.