MUMBAI: Shimron Hetmyer’s commitment to the West Indies team came under scrutiny when he failed to board the flight during the 2022 T20 World Cup and was eventually dropped from the squad. Though he cited ‘personal reasons’ for his decision, it created a perception that he preferred globetrotting in franchise leagues over representing the Caribbean side.A similar situation almost unfolded in this edition of the World Cup when the 29-year-old arrived in Kolkata just 24 hours before their opening clash against Scotland. Reports suggested visa issues had delayed his arrival, but whispers of history repeating itself grew louder.
The West Indies camp, however, chose not to make a fuss. They let the matter pass quietly — and the results have followed. Hetmyer has emerged as their leading run-scorer so far. The Rajasthan Royals batter has amassed 219 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 185.59.Setting aside concerns about his past indiscretions, the left-hander has settled seamlessly into his new role at No. 3, taking over from Nicholas Pooran, who announced his retirement eight months ago.Having spent considerable time alongside Hetmyer, West Indies skipper Shai Hope knew what he could offer if promoted up the order, a role he had occupied earlier in his career before being pushed down to a finisher’s slot.“The way he bats, I think sometimes he was wasted down the order. He’s such a good player; can bat in all situations, against spin and pace. We properly utilise him in that phase (at No. 3), he comes out and plays with the freedom we want him to. He’s been an asset for us, especially in this tournament. He has embraced the role,” Hope said.Hetmyer was elevated to No. 3 in July last year during the home T20I series against Australia. In nine matches since then, he has scored 365 runs at a strike rate of 184.34, significantly higher than his career strike rate of 138.89. The Guyanese attributes his recent success to improved clarity and simpler thinking. “I’m not overthinking my batting nowadays. In the past, I used to overthink a lot — about plans, about getting out. Now, I’m trying to think less, let the bat do the talking, and just react to the situation,” Hetmyer said.The initial nerves of returning to the No. 3 spot have also eased as the tournament has progressed. “It’s definitely easier now because I’ve been doing it for a while. I understand the role better, I know how situations unfold, and having the backing of everyone in the team really helps. That support puts me in a much more comfortable headspace,” he added.His World Cup campaign so far has been defined by a fearless approach and unwavering belief in his ability to clear the ropes. Against Scotland, he struck a 36-ball 64. On Monday night against Zimbabwe, Hetmyer turned the game on its head with a stunning 34-ball 85, featuring seven fours and seven sixes.The bigger test now will be to replicate such performances in West Indies’ next two key clashes.Shimron Hetmyer Records1 – Shimron Hetmyer is the only batter to score 200+ runs at 50+ average with a strike rate of 175+ in this edition of the T20 World Cup. 452 – Hetmyer’s run-aggregate at an average of 50.22, including three fifties, in 11 innings is the highest in T20Is in 2026. 37 – Sixes hit by Hetmyer are the most by a batter in T20Is this year. Ishan Kishan is next best (27). 17 – Sixes hit by Hetmyer in 5 innings, the joint-most by a batter in a T20 World Cup, emulating Nicholas Pooran’s record in 2024 (7 innings). 250 – Recorded his best ever strike rate during his 85 (34 balls) vs Zim on Feb 23, 2026 (minimum 50 runs). — Stats: Rajesh Kumar
