Lucknow, India- There is always a light at the end of the tunnel and for left arm spinner Akeal Hosein, wearing the maroon for the people of the Caribbean was his opportunity to see the purpose of his journey.
Hosein’s path to international fame began far from the spotlight, in his community of Laventille, Trinidad where violence was common, but where his determination proved even stronger.
The 33-year-old is on the cusp of becoming the fourth West Indian to cross the line in 100 T20 Internationals when he takes the field against India in the five-match series and there is a soothing feeling of gratitude from the left arm spinner.
“It’s been a long journey, and it’s no easy feat, but I’m proud of this one,” he said. “There are only a couple of players who have achieved this milestone, and that in itself speaks to the dedication and consistency you’ve shown throughout the journey, both in terms of your performances and your overall commitment. It’s certainly an achievement I’m very proud of as well.”
The journey to the top has not been smooth but it has only made success sweeter for Hosein.
“It’s been a good journey, a challenging journey,” Hosein shared. “As we all know in cricket, there have been ups and downs, and in this sport, you fail more than you succeed so it’s been a tough journey but an enjoyable journey and a journey full of lessons as well.”
Bowling in the toughest phase in the format gives a sweeter taste of the accomplishment for Hosein who operates in the powerplay overs where only two fielders are allowed on the boundary for the first six overs of an innings.
However, he relishes the opportunity of trying to outfox and outwit the batters at the crease.
“I embrace the challenge, back myself whenever I’m at the top of my mark knowing that the day before I prepared well, and I did my homework on the opposing players” Hosein explained. “Also, my mindset, I have thrown getting hit for sixes and fours out the window and just be disciplined enough that if I get hit for boundaries, it’s where my fielders are”
While constantly innovating and searching for that extra one per cent to take his game to another level, Hosein sees the chance to earn his 100th cap for the Caribbean side as the biggest milestone of his career yet.
“I think this one will be my biggest accomplishment for the West Indies, to play a hundred matches for the region in any format. Another big accomplishment is representing the region in World Cups which I have done but I think this one will probably be the biggest accomplishment for me in West Indies cricket so far.”
In December 2024, Hosein was ranked as the best bowler in the world in the shortest format of the game and his aspirations of getting back there.
“I’ve been number one before, and the aim is always to get back there. It’s a personal motivation,” He shared. “I think most athletes, in whatever field they’re playing, want to be the best. They want to be number one, not just to brag about it, but to keep pushing yourself.”
As a youngster, Hosein dreamed of becoming a fireman. Years later, he’s putting out fires with the ball in hand, playing an instrumental role in the Caribbean’s T20 side and earning a reputation as one of the most respected bowlers in world cricket.
CWI
