Akeal Hosein is set to play his 100th T20I for West Indies against India in Lucknow on Tuesday. Listening to him explain his craft, there is something fitting about the echo of aqal – the word for “wisdom” or “intelligence” across some language families – which also happens to be the etymological basis of his first name.

 

Hosein has a knuckleball, an arm ball, a drifting delivery and the conventionally spinning ball, but his decision-making is just as interesting as his variations. He likes having options before he begins a spell and trusts his instincts once it starts. Just as importantly, he knows when to keep doing the same thing.

 

“Don’t get too greedy or go trying things or experimenting,” Hosein said ahead of his landmark game. “Just try and stick to what’s working, stick to what is the most difficult delivery for the batters to get away. And that should be your game plan.”

 

That judgement is especially valuable because Hosein does most of his work in the powerplay. With 990 deliveries in the powerplay in T20Is, he is the most experienced spinner in the world in that phase.

 

“Bowling in the powerplay in general, it’s pretty scary, especially when you’re a spinner,” he said. “It’s also extra difficult when you have good batting surfaces, and these guys who strike at high strike rates.”

 

Hosein’s accuracy and subtle changes in speed and length have made him a dependable powerplay option. His arm ball keeps batters alert, while his ability to turn the ball leaves them in two minds. His role also explains why West Indies field two left-arm finger spinners: Hosein usually bowls early, while Gudakesh Motie operates through the middle overs.

 

The five-match series against India will test Hosein. His match-ups with Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ishan Kishan in the powerplay will be among the most intriguing of the series, although he has not bowled much to them in the IPL.

 

Hosein’s powerplay record in T20s is also less favourable against left-handers. He averages 41 against them and concedes 8.20 runs per over, compared with an average of 27.06 and an economy rate of 7.21 against right-handers.

 

So does Hosein believe he can contain India’s destructive top order, which could feature three left-handers?

 

“If you’re playing in every one [of the five T20Is], then the opposition can plan better for you each time,” Hosein said. “So it’s always about trying to stay one step ahead of the batter, trying to be as clever as possible, and just trying to get the job done for the team.”

 

Preparation, however, can only take him so far.

 

“I think, sometimes, you have to let instincts take over,” he said. “Because just as you’re looking at data and trying to exploit guys’ weaknesses, they are also looking at the data as well and trying to get better.”

 

Hosein said he usually has his “dos and don’ts” for the day and for each batter. If a delivery proves difficult to put away, he is happy to repeat it. Having variations does not mean he has to use them all.

 

It is an understanding developed through years of playing the game. Hosein represented West Indies at the Under-19 World Cup in 2012, took 11 wickets in his third first-class match for Trinidad and Tobago, and scored an unbeaten hundred in his next.

 

But early promise did not bring regular opportunities. Across one five-year stretch, he played only two first-class matches and travelled around the Caribbean seeking stability before returning to Trinidad in 2019.

 

Much of Hosein’s early motivation came from the need to make a living and support his family. Growing up in Laventille, Port of Spain, he lived with the danger of gang violence around him. Cricket offered a route forward, while senior players helped him along the way. Sunil Narine provided affordable accommodation, while Kieron Pollard helped him find employment that allowed him to continue training.

 

Since making his T20I debut in 2021, Hosein has become one of the first names on the West Indies team sheet. He has developed into a globe-trotting finger spinner and even captained the side in a series against Nepal, although West Indies lost 2-1.

 

He wants to mark his 100th T20I without incident and has no roadmap for the next five years.

 

“The past is the past,” Hosein said, “but it’s an achievement in itself. It shows that you’re dedicated, you’re hungry, and it also shows that your performances have been up to par as well. It’s something to look back and smile at. And who knows if I can make 100 more? It’s motivation to continue, and to try and push and see how many games you can play.”

 

One ambition remains: returning to No. 1 in the ICC T20I bowling rankings. Hosein reached the top in December 2024 but has since slipped to 19th.

 

“Always [want to be the world’s best again],” he said. “I’ve been No. 1 before, and the aim is always to get back there. And it’s a personal motivation. I think most athletes, in whatever field they’re playing, want to be the best. They want to be No. 1 – not just to brag about it, but to keep pushing yourself.” (Cricinfo)