Chandrapaul Hemraj has been a star at the top of the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ batting lineup since joining the team in 2019. Paired with Brandon King at the top of the order, it was all eyes on them as they destroyed powerplay after powerplay.
Hemraj’s big head-turner, however, came as he showcased his proficiency in the spin bowling department, making him a coveted talent for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.
Chandrapaul Hemraj
In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, the 27-year-old expressed hopes of churning out the runs in this year’s 9th edition of the CPL. With 439 runs and 6 wickets across two seasons for the Warriors, the Guyanese is hoping to help the team clinch the championship this year.
Hemraj is hoping to make his mark with the bat, and hopes to keep the pressure off of himself, but his main goal is all-round consistency.
“I think I could get some good scores, but that’s something I don’t want to put myself under pressure. I just want to go out there and enjoy every bit of it,” this opening batsman has said.
About his bowling, the left-arm orthodox spinner related, “I always enjoy bowling, whenever I get the opportunity, I will try to make the most of it.”
Most instances of Hemraj’s excellent batting came in tandem with Brandon King’s over the past two years. Speaking about their job at the top of the order, Hemraj noted that the onus is on the pair to get the momentum going.
“I think it’s important to start well. From the very first game, I think it’s important for us to get the starts and give the team momentum going forward,” the Guyanese has explained.
The batsman is not heading into the CPL 2021 rusty, having featured in several leagues and tournament in the Caribbean and the United States in the past months. This constant exposure to the game, according to Hemraj, would stand him in good stead in this CPL season.
“You know it’s important to gain experience, get in some cricket coming into this tournament. Likewise, from last year, we didn’t have much cricket because of COVID. So, I think it was good to get some cricket coming into this tournament,” he explained.
With 50% seating capacity expected at Warner Park in St. Kitts during the Hero CPL, it will be welcomed with open arms by Hemraj, who is a ‘fan’ of the fans’ presence.
When asked about playing with fans in the stands again, Hemraj answered, “Yeah, definitely, it’s always nice playing in front of a crowd. I’m very much looking forward to it.” He continued, “When you think about it, it’s a huge motivation that you know wherever you go there’s so much people that support Amazon Warriors. And I think it’s going to be nice for us to give them something to cheer about this year.” (Jemima Holmes)
