Guyanese batting star Shimron Hetmyer has added his name to the record books, becoming only the 11th West Indian to surpass 5,000 runs in Twenty20 cricket. The milestone came during the Indian Premier League (IPL) in April, when the 28-year-old left-hander struck a brisk half-century (52 runs) for the Rajasthan Royals in a match against Gujarat Titans. That innings carried Hetmyer to 5,045 career T20 runs, placing him in an elite club alongside Caribbean power-hitters like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo. For Hetmyer – who hails from Berbice, Guyana – it’s a personal achievement that underscores his status as one of the region’s most accomplished modern batsmen. “It’s a proud moment to join those legends at 5,000 runs,” he told reporters, crediting hard work and fan support for his success.
Hetmyer’s explosive batting has been on full display this year. In the IPL, he averaged over 30 with a strike rate above 150, consistently providing late-innings fireworks for his franchise. Back home, he featured in the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) and helped guide the Guyana Amazon Warriors to a strong finish last season. Though primarily known for white-ball cricket, Hetmyer has also expressed hopes of a recall to the West Indies ODI and T20 sides. He was left out of international selection for a period, reportedly due to fitness benchmark issues, but has since recommitted to training. Many fans in Guyana are eager to see him back in Maroon colors, especially with the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup to be co-hosted in the West Indies. “He’s in the form of his life; we need him in the West Indies squad,” former national captain Ramnaresh Sarwan commented recently.
Beyond milestone statistics, Hetmyer’s impact is evident in the inspiration he provides to young cricketers in Guyana. Local coaches point out that ever since his U-19 World Cup heroics – he captained West Indies U-19 to a world title in 2016 – a generation of kids have looked up to “Hettie.” His journey from small-town Cumberland, Berbice to global T20 leagues shows the pathway talent can carve. This year, his profile reached new heights with a high-profile signing in the United States’ Major League Cricket: the Seattle Orcas acquired him for their upcoming season, bolstering their batting lineup with Caribbean firepower. Having played in the inaugural MLC last year, Hetmyer is now set to return stateside this summer. “I’m excited to reunite with the Orcas and bring some Guyanese flavor to U.S. cricket,” he said in a statement, noting that growing the sport in new markets is “good for players and the game’s future.”
Guyanese cricket, meanwhile, continues to benefit from Hetmyer’s exploits. Whenever he’s back home, fans flock to Providence Stadium in hopes of one of his trademark six-hitting displays. In a home ODI series last year, he smashed a century at Providence, becoming the first Guyanese to notch an ODI hundred on home soil. His presence also boosts the Amazon Warriors’ prospects; he was integral to their CPL championship victory in 2023, the franchise’s long-awaited first title. With the Warriors set to defend that title in a few months, a firing Shimron Hetmyer will be central to their campaign. Team officials have confirmed he’ll be available for the latter stages of CPL despite his MLC commitments.
As he enters the prime years of his career, Hetmyer’s consistency and experience are rounding him into a complete T20 batsman. He’s equally adept at rotating strike as he is clearing boundaries – evidenced by those 25 half-centuries and a century in his T20 tally. West Indies selectors, who are rebuilding the team after recent disappointments, have hinted that doors are open for returning players who prove their fitness and form. If Hetmyer continues on his current trajectory, it’s likely only a matter of time before he dons the maroon again. In the eyes of many Guyanese supporters, he represents the bright future of West Indies cricket: talented, fearless, and now seasoned by stints around the world. As one fan at Bourda Ground put it, “When Hettie does well, all Guyana cheers. We know he has so much more to give.”
Region: East Berbice-Corentyne (Region 6)
Sources: jamaica-gleaner.comjamaica-gleaner.com
