Akeal Hosein doesn\u2019t quite fit the conventional mould of a PowerPlay bowler.<\/p>\n
A left-arm spinner entrusted with the new ball in a format dictated by power-hitters, Hosein has turned that role into an advantage \u2014 as he showed in Chennai Super Kings\u2019 (CSK) emphatic win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).<\/p>\n
His spell of four for 17 not only broke the back of the MI chase but also underlined his growing influence this season. Having featured just once in the 2023 IPL, Hosein has made rapid strides, with his ability to read surfaces quickly and adapt lengths emerging as his x-factor.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been trying to pick the coaches\u2019 and players\u2019 brains on red soil, black soil\u2026 what works where,\u201d Hosein said, explaining the homework behind his execution. The key, he added, lies in making quick assessments \u2014 understanding pace off the surface, which deliveries grip and which skid \u2014 and relaying that information to his fellow bowlers.<\/p>\n
Bowling in the PowerPlay, he admitted, comes with inherent risk. With only two fielders outside the circle, margins are thin. But Hosein\u2019s approach is rooted in clarity and courage.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know the batters are going to come at you\u2026 it\u2019s about being brave,\u201d he said, before revealing a piece of advice from Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies T20 legend who is now a mentor with Kolkata Knight Riders, that has stayed with him. \u201cIf you are going to get hit, at least get hit to the two fielders protecting the boundary.\u201d<\/p>\n
That clarity of plan \u2014 bowl to the field, commit to the delivery \u2014 has allowed Hosein to thrive in phases where most spinners are shielded.<\/p>\n
If his bowling has been about control, his celebrations have added a touch of theatre. The now-familiar \u201cmask\u201d gesture after wickets, he insisted, carries no deeper meaning.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody seems to have their own mask. Noor has a mask, a couple of footballers have their masks, so I just chose this one. I just chose this one to be my mask,\u201d Hosein said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing too much behind it. It\u2019s just about, you know, celebrating small victories. Whenever you do well, you get a wicket. Whenever your teammates get a wicket as well, you just try to enjoy that moment and that\u2019s exactly what I\u2019ve been doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
CSK will be hoping for Hosein\u2019s mask celebrations to continue for the remaining season.<\/p>\n
Published on Apr 24, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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