Fitness is key

– Hemraj pushing in overtime, looking for a great year

By Timothy Jaikarran

Aggressive left-handed batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj, known and loved throughout Guyana, has been pushing himself to the limit of his endurance in his quest to improve his game and show the world what “the new Chandrapaul Hemraj” has to offer.
With a single-minded focus on getting leaner, fitter and stronger, Chandrapaul Hemraj has dedicated himself to aiding the Guyana Amazon Warriors to lift the 2021 Hero CPL Title.

Hemraj on the go in the nets

In an interview with this publication, Hemraj detailed what he plans to achieve come this CPL, and the process he has undertaken to ensure that his dreams become reality. Hemraj was asked a series of questions, and this is what he had to say:
Q1: Leading up to the CPL, how is your form, and what do you hope to accomplish?
A1: We are not playing a lot of cricket right now, but basically we are just training going into the tournament. What I’m hoping to accomplish first and foremost is winning the tournament, as that would be the biggest accomplishment. Personally, I am really looking forward for a good year.

Hemraj putting in the work in the gym

Q2: What role do you expect your fitness to play for you?
A2: Fitness is important. I think there are some things I could control. I can’t control selection, but I think I can control my fitness. I can get stronger, get leaner and better on the cricket field. I’m naturally aggressive. I think it’s important for me to click up on those starts that I’ve been getting. And hopefully, you know, there’s a balance with my aggressiveness this year.
Q3: What role will your bowling play, and what do you think of the Warriors lineup?
A3: Well, in the last Super 50, I had a decent run with the ball. Starting the ball and probably, I think, that’s something I’ve been working on to keep developing going forward. I think we have a very good squad, a very good mixture of youth and experience. I think it’s just about us going there and enjoying the cricket and not worry too much, you know that we haven’t won a tournament. Just go out there and just express yourself. In terms of the local talent, I think it’s very important for the local boys, because you know we play more in the Caribbean, we have had a taste of St Kitts and Nevis already. So, I think it’s important for us to start well.

Chandrapaul Hemraj in the nets with coach Esaun Crandon

Q4: As the pitch deteriorates, what does the team plan to do to combat this factor?
A4: Well, I can’t say right now, because we don’t know the conditions right now in St Kitts; but, as you can see, we have a lot of spinners, and I think they are going to play a huge role in the tournament.
Hemraj has recently concluded his journey in the MAQ USA T10 League, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer. Hemraj had stellar performances of 60 off 19 balls and 66 off 25 balls in convincing match-winning innings. He also ended the tournament hitting 25 sixes and scoring the most runs – 235, at an average of 58.75 and a strike rate of 235.
In 2020, he played in the US OPEN CRICKET 2020 and walked away with 190 runs, a high score of 87, and an average of 63.33 at a strike rate of 163.79, while playing for the Somerset Cavaliers.