Delhi Capitals batsman Shimron Hetmyer has hailed the positive influence of head coach Ricky Ponting during the 2020 Indian Premier League.
Hetmyer's talent was on display during Friday's victory over the Rajasthan Royals. He struck five sixes en route to 45 from just 24 deliveries.
“It has been fun to be around Ricky. A very good guy. He is right now working on my pull shot. He has observed that in last few games, people have been bowling short to me,” said Hetmyer.
“So far he is working on my pulling and he has done one hell of a job with me. He is teaching me the art of being a better finisher and I am getting there gradually.”
The hard-hitting right-hander has largely arrived at the crease in the closing quarter of Delhi's innings in the IPL 2020. The role has challenged him.
“The role of a floater is not something that I was accustomed to really. I am still working towards getting better with each and every game,” he added.
“What I try to do now is to ensure that every game, I have to hit a six. At least, one six. Working towards that at moment.”
Hetmyer's International Career So Far
The 23-year-old has been capped 16 times at Test level – and has played 45 ODIs and 25 T20Is since 2017's international debut for the West Indies.
“Probably, I moved a bit faster with the transition than I expected to be honest. I didn't expect to be where I am at the age of 23 actually, but I thank God every day and all the people, my support system who have helped me to reach where I am today,” he concluded.
“There have been ups and downs. but ups mostly. I am working at getting better and finishing more games for my team or at least get them to winning positions.”
The Delhi Capitals have never won the IPL. They remain in pursuit of a maiden title. The Mumbai Indians are the reigning champions, having beaten the Chennai Super Kings in the 2019 final.
This year's IPL is being played in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE co-hosted the 2014 IPL, too.
