West Indies talent shows off during the Indian Premier League 2019

BY KAYLA KARIM

Known as the IPL 12, the Indian Premier League began on March 23^rd, 2019, in various cities in India with Dehli, Hyderabad, and Kolkatta all with a max capacity of over 40,000 spectators. The tournament that occurs annually around spring, includes teams around the host nation.

All eight teams are based out of India however there is a dominating West Indian presence throughout the tournament. West Indies players have become the forefront performers for their respective teams – be it any team they play.

In the sixth match of IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders face the Kings XI Punjab, which will showcase two aggressive West Indian batsmen. Both of these teams have dominated throughout the tournament and will look to continue their winning momentum.

Carlos Brathwaite is currently in the Kolkata Knight Riders colors. Brathwaite expressed his memorable experiences from the past.

“It’s kind of a happy hunting ground. I have had a few good games here. In the same World Cup, had a good warm-up game with bat and ball. I had a decent game with the ball against India as well though we didn’t cross the line. I bowled the last over here to defend some runs for SRH against KKR so yes, I have good memories. But counts for nothing as we start from zero. I am under no illusions and looking forward to get stuck in,” he said.

Brathwaite also mentioned that KKR is one of the teams that has bid for him throughout his IPL career thus far. He said that he watched KKR from afar and enjoys working under Venky Mysore.

Power-hitter, Shimron Hetmyer joined Royal Challengers Banglore for the IPL. His ability to dispatch the ball over the boundary on a regular basis makes him a perfect fit in Royal Challengers Banglore’s explosive set up.

Hetmyer was the star for Guyana Amazon Warriors during the 2018 Caribbean Premier League, where he became the youngest batsman to score a century in CPL history. He was equally impressive in West Indies’ tour of India slamming a century against England earlier this year.

Another West Indies player, Oshane Thomas will be making his IPL debut this year playing for the Rajasthan Royals. The 6’6” Jamaican is known for consistently hitting the deck at 150 kpm. After catching many eyes in the CPL in 2017, he emerged as the second highest wicket-taker in the 2018 CPL with eighteen wickets.

Twenty-three-year-old Nicholas Pooran continues to showcase his talent, this year, with the Kings XI Punjab alongside Windies teammate Chris Gayle. Chris Gayle, being the explosive player that he is, is just two sixes away from hitting 300 maximums in the shortest format of the sport.

Pooran overcame a serious car accident in 2015, and since then has become a sought after player with his exploits over the last 12 months. Kings XI Punjab Head Coach, Mike Hesson recently compared him to teammate Chris Gayle, referring to Pooran as the “young Gayle”. Nicholas Pooran though feels no pressure.

When asked about the comparison to Chris Gayle, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman said, “Any tournament is an opportunity. I am in a new team and just want to give my best. And to be honest, I am just trying to be the best I can be”.

The 2019 Indian Premier League started on March 23^rd, 2019, and will continue to May 12^th, 2019.