Some of the most talented individuals in the world believe that the harder they work, the more fortunate they become.
Yet, at the same time, all of them- whether the Lara’s, Sachin’s, Virat’s, Labuschagne’s, Warner’s, Gayle’s or Rohit’s are all wary of a poignant cricketing fact none can deny: that they cannot always sit back on the assurance of the chances they’ll be provided. And that they must do the best with whatever opportunity comes their way.
Against that narrative, the West Indies have a particularly striking talent that hasn’t quite rewarded the faith still bestowed upon him.
You admire his batting. You find him an attractive talent with the bat. Yet, this is a tail that mustn’t end on a sorry note with the awareness that one isn’t aiming to say anything dramatic.
Shimron Hetmyer, the talented left-handed batsman from Guyana, unfortunately appears to be resistant to learning from his mistakes. Despite his abilities, it is crucial for any athlete or professional to acknowledge and grow from their errors in order to reach their full potential.
Shimron’s remarkable leadership in guiding Windies U-19 to a resounding victory in the 2016 World Cup left everyone convinced that Caribbean cricket had discovered a shining star who would make a lasting impact.
Hetmyer not only grabs attention with his aggressive batting style but also stands out with his vibrant and ever-changing hair, dyed in a stunning array of rainbow shades. His unique personality on and off the field makes him an intriguing figure to watch.
Embracing your vibrant personality is not a negative trait, but it’s important to find a balance so that you stay on track towards achieving your goals and becoming truly successful in your chosen career. By harnessing your unique qualities while staying focused, you can create a powerful combination that sets you apart from the rest.
Recently, there has been a concerning trend where Shimron has prioritized personal reasons over his national duties.
However, it is noteworthy that whenever he receives a tempting offer to play franchise cricket worldwide, his eagerness to return to the cricket field seems to outweigh his enthusiasm for representing his country. This raises questions about his commitment and dedication towards playing for the national team.
Hettie, as he is affectionately called, embarked on a remarkable journey to India in October 2018.
During this memorable tour, he astounded everyone with his exceptional batting skills by scoring an exhilarating century against India in the first ODI of the series held in Guwahati. His outstanding performance left a lasting impression on both fans and cricket aficionados alike.
Scores like 106, 94 and 37 were notable returns from the Guyanese’s bat.
His remarkable performance left no doubt whatsoever in his natural inclination towards batting; he effortlessly dominated the Indian bowlers, confidently hitting them all over the park to achieve an impressive score of 106 off just 78 deliveries at Guwahati.
It was a display that captivated everyone and led to unanimous praise, with many declaring that West Indies had discovered a brilliant new star.
After scoring a brilliant century, he continued his impressive form by hitting an outstanding 94 off just 64 balls in the second ODI. However, it seems that he was unable to maintain his momentum and unlock his true potential afterwards, leaving many puzzled.
Adding to the predicament is the fact that his fitness level is not up to par for an international player, making things even more challenging for him.
He was called back into the team for the ongoing series against India in the Caribbean, but unfortunately, his performance in ODI’s was quite disappointing. He played some unrefined shots, indicating a lack of commitment.
At all these times, passion hasn’t deserted him; but not putting a prize of the wicket certainly has.
It seems, Hetmyer is just there to fill the roster without showing any real drive or enthusiasm. Where’s that young man disappeared to who played that magnificent, nearly inning resuscitating fifty in the 2019 World Cup game against New Zealand when several prominent names had been out?
One of the challenges faced by cricket playing nations, especially those with limited resources like the West Indies Cricket Board, is that when promising young players make their mark on the cricket field, franchise cricket teams are quick to take notice.
The allure of tournaments like IPL, with all due respect, given their immense financial stakes, can be overwhelming for young talents, leading them to easily fall into the trap of quick mega bucks.
We are aware that as an athlete, it’s hard to predict when a career-ending injury might occur. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with earning a substantial income by participating in games that offer significant financial rewards.
It’s a smart way to ensure financial stability.
However, representing your country in sports is a matter of great significance and brings tremendous joy when you excel on behalf of your nation.
Few other things will ever matter other than being a matchwinner whilst donning your nation’s jersey.
Unfortunately, it seems that the younger generation prioritizes being popular on social media over achieving athletic success for their country. They fail to grasp the importance of dedicating themselves to their craft and ensuring victory for their nation.
The Shimron Hetmyer we saw and lauded back in 2018 and 2019 is what the Shimron Hetmyer of 2023 needs to do a repeat of; backing his instincts, and most importantly, making most of his chances.
At 26, he’s nowhere near his peak but what he must also guard against is taking his place in the national side for granted.
