Electrifying opener, Chandrapaul Hemraj, is ecstatic about representing the Guyana Amazon Warriors in this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The 26-year-old left-hander, is one of six local players to be retained ahead of the CPL draft alongside three regional players and a local emerging player.
Last season, Hemraj ended with 299 runs from 12 outings with a strike rate of 121. The explosive batsman also showed his worth with the ball, snapping up five wickets and an economy of 6.8 with his left-arm orthodox.
In an invited comment, Hemraj explained: “I’m really happy to be back with the Warriors and I must say thanks to the management for showing that confidence in me.”
The Strathavon, East Coast Demerara resident said that it is a “special feeling” being able to represent his home country at the ‘Biggest Party in Sport.’
Hemraj, reflecting on last season, said that he believes that he had a good run but wanted to produce more on this occasion and reignite a claim for West Indies selection particularly ahead of the T20 World Cup.
“CPL is the premier T20 tournament in the Caribbean. Everyone plays to their best and I definitely will be bringing my ‘A-game’. Last season I did fairly well but I’m aiming to better that performance and hopefully, push for a spot in the West Indies side for the World Cup in Australia,” Hemraj, who has played six One Day Internationals said.
With the world on lockdown due to the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, Hemraj said that he has not eased on his training but is working diligently to be ready for the tournament.
“The restrictions from the pandemic has limited my training from what I would have liked,” he stated while adding, “but I have been working along with a programme from the trainer and I have been doing a lot of work on my own, you know getting some batting practice with my family’s help and working on my strength and fitness.”
The CPL is scheduled to take place between 19 August and 26 September but the tournament organisers are currently watching the current situation with COVID-19 closely and are liaising with medical advisors and governments. A decision on whether the tournament can proceed as planned, or at a different time, will be made as soon as possible.
Caption: Chandrapaul Hemraj will turn out for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in CPL 2020
