West Indies all-rounder Akeal Hosein has stressed that he isn’t much focusing on the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL2022) mega auction but said that his performance in the ongoing white-ball series in India can open the doors for him for the big-ticket IPL.
West Indies lost the first ODI by 6 wickets in Ahmedabad and now the tourists are facing a must-win situation in the second ODI to be played Wednesday, January 9, and the left-arm spin all-rounder wants to make all the difference to help his team win the ODI series against Team India.
Hosein said in a virtual media interaction: “Yes, we know, the IPL is the best league around. But I'm not really focused on that (IPL). The task at hand right now is these two games. They are very important for me, because it will determine the series. Having said that, I think once I do the right things and perform well for my team, the doors will open. For me, it's all about these two games and winning this ODI series.”
A slow-left arm spinner and a lower order batter, Akeal has declared himself as a 50-50 all-rounder and hopes people will see him one day as a genuine all-rounder.
The 28-year-old added, “I think I'm a 50-50 perfect proper batter, proper bowler. Having said that, over the last couple of years, I've played CPL, different formats, and what not. Then you find yourself you might flex down the order if given an opportunity to bat. I definitely see myself as a total all-rounder and it's just about working my way up the ladder. Hopefully, people can see that I am a genuine all-rounder.”
Akeal was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) net bowling squad in the second phase of the IPL 2021 in UAE last year and Sunil Narine helped him a lot ahead of the T20 World Cup 2021.
The all-rounder added, “For me, having the opportunity to spend more time with him in KKR setup helped me a lot because the World Cup was played in Dubai as well.”
Recalling the feeling "terrible" at the nets on the eve of their T20 World Cup match and how Narine helped him, Akeal said: “It was actually the day before the game, so it was a bit worrying. But Sunil said 'don't be surprised. That's how it goes. Some days you'll feel terrible in the nets, and then the next day you will see the ball coming out of your hand perfectly in the match.’”
Hailing Narine, he said: “His advice was spot on. I didn't take it (the feeling) on too much and surprisingly in the match, the ball came out beautifully. I was able to get a feel of the pitches and worked closely alongside, always giving me advice and information and little cues, the type deliveries, trajectory. Immediately after the IPL, we had the World Cup and I thought I didn't do too bad there.
Sunil is not only a friend to me but a big brother. He's very quiet but very open at the same time. He would share almost everything with all his tricks and ideas. And if he thinks it's a trick that can't work and doesn't work for him, he will definitely shared it with me as well.”
He also called Kieron Pollard and Narine his 'big brothers', and said, “It's always a blessing to have these guys around. They're more than friends. I consider them big brothers and they always look out for you in any way possible. I'm very thankful. These guys are always around. We play with the same club back home -- Queen's Park. So it's where our relationship grew from. No matter where you are, these guys are just a phone call away.”
On defeat in the first ODI against India, the West Indian said: “Yes, we've lost the match and it's a short series -- three matches. Although we lost, there were still positives. It's just about how we plan to bounce back and come back strong.”
He signed off by saying, “The message is to stay positive and get ourselves in proper positions to play strong scoring shots. That's definitely something we're going to stick with, no matter the surface and condition. Once we do those things we'll be able to get through.”
(With PTI Inputs)
