In a remarkable twist of fate, the admiration that Akeal Hosein expressed for Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja back in 2013 came full circle during a recent IPL match. The 29-year-old West Indian spinner, who once tweeted about his idol as a young boy, showcased an impressive performance for the Chennai Super Kings against arch-rivals, the Mumbai Indians.
During the game at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Hosein secured a stunning four-wicket haul. This performance rekindled memories of his childhood when he admired Jadeja’s cricketing prowess. Hosein, bought by CSK for ₹2 crore during the 2026 IPL Auction, proved his worth when his brilliant bowling put the Mumbai Indians on the back foot early in the match.
CSK set a challenging target for MI, and Hosein’s impactful bowling in the powerplay started to turn the tide. He made an immediate impact in his first over by dismissing rookie batter Danish Malewar for a golden duck. Later, he claimed the wickets of in-form players Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav, concluding with exceptional figures of 4 for 17.
After the match, Hosein reflected on the advice from his mentor, Dwayne Bravo, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one’s strengths and strategies rather than fearing getting hit by the batters. His performance drew comparisons to Jadeja’s, with many fans on social media highlighting the resemblance.
This isn’t the first time Akeal Hosein has impressed with his cricketing skills. In a T20I against England in January 2022, he dramatically hit a hat-trick of sixes in the last over, bringing his team close to victory. Earlier this year, he also delivered crucial all-round performances against India.
Fans are eager to see him in action again when CSK takes on the Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 26.
