CPL 2020: Aim is to play IPL and other T20 leagues, says West Indies star Rahkeem Cornwall

After realising his dream of playing Test cricket for the West Indies last year, Rahkeem Cornwall, the six-foot-five inch cricketer, is keen on furthering his own game. An integral member of the St Lucia Zouks side in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Cornwall is no stranger to dreaming big.

Having fallen in love with the sport as a kid, Rahkeem Cornwall has had to overcome several hurdles to become what he is today. One of the heaviest cricketers going around, 27-year-old Cornwall had to prove quite a few wrong to realise his dream of donning the West Indies Test cap.

Cornwall, speaking to indiatoday.in, said playing in the Indian Premier League and other major T20 leagues across the globe is certainly in his Wishlist and he is working hard to be ready whenever the opportunity comes his way.

“Well, that’s my aim. CPL is just a kickstart, I think I have to continue putting in performances to make sure other franchises look in my direction and I just have to make sure I am ready when that opportunity comes,” Cornwall said when asked if he is looking forward to the opportunity of playing in the IPL.

‘Batting all-rounder’ Cornwall eyes T20I, ODI selections

Cornwall is a complete package. At 6’5’’, the off-spinner has the guile and consistency that has bamboozled many, including the likes of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara.

Cornwall has a stellar first-class record. Since 2016-17, the Leeward Islands cricketer hasn’t finished without 50 wickets in a season. He was well on course to achieve the feat in the 2019-20 season as well, having picked 30 wickets in just 5 matches but the novel coronavirus pandemic forced an early end to the four-day championship.

Cornwall, who has donned the role of an opener for St Lucia Zouks, scored 254 runs at a staggering strike rate of over 190 in CPL 2019. He has 4 List A hundreds to go with 1 hundred and 14 fifties in first-class cricket.

However, Cornwall said he wants to prove his batting ability at the international level. In 3 Tests, Cornwall hasn’t managed to trouble the scorers much but he said he is working hard to prove he is more a batting all-rounder than a bowling all-rounder at the highest level.

“I think I am an all-rounder who can bat. My batting does not show its true potential at the international scene as yet. I think I have some more work to do. So I am capable enough to bat at the international level, I just have to put in the hard work and showcase my talent with the bat.

“CPL is one (platform to prove my skills), I think once I perform, there is no doubt I can get selected in the T20 team. Also, we have regional 50-over cricket, I have to go and dominate there to make the 50-over team. It’s possible, I just have to put in the hard work,” Cornwall said.