From Virat Kohli’s cover drives to Chris Gayle’s lofty sixes; from Martin Guptill’s big-hitting shots to R Ashwin’s canny bowling, the ICC World T20 will give fans a lot to watch in the coming days. As the World Cup is already in his full swing; Indian Sports News takes a look at some of the players who can turn the tables for their team.
Martin Guptill
When it comes to big-hitting, this man is no less to the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. He has been in amazing form since the time he smashed 237 in the 2015 World Cup to his recent heroics in his 93* in 30 balls against Sri Lanka to his 87* in 68 balls against Pakistan. Opening along with Kane Williamson, he forms an absolutely unbreakable pair and when these are two set, there is no stopping the Black Caps.
Kane Williamson
Ever since his debut in 2010, he has been a solid pillar in the Black Caps’ batting lineup, and now after the retirement of Brendon McCullum, he has been given a huge responsibility of captaining the team. Every time he comes on to bat, he puts up an entertaining show. He may not seem like a big hitter but his ability to rotate strike and place balls in gaps in incredible.
Steve Smith
After Michael Clarke’s retirement in the World Cup final in 2015, Smith has begun to lead the men in yellow, and so far his journey has been commendable. From his batting to the captaining, he has shown the world an upcoming era of Australian dominance. With the support of an amazing team full of all-rounders, Smith is going to be someone to watch out for.
Virat Kohli
Recently, India’s Test captain became the fastest to score 7000 ODI runs. Ranked at second for ODI’s and T20’s, Kohli is admired as one of the most aggressive batsman who expresses his emotions out loud on the field. We have all seen his performance in the IPL. He is a quality batsman who uses beautiful drives and shots to construct his innings. This aggressive approach and great consistency makes him a lethal limited over batsman, be it one-day or T20.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Do I even have to say anything? It all in front of you you isn’t it! This man is on the peak of his carrier and will be the most important bowler on Indian pitches. His recent form has been tremendous—he was the leading wicket-taker in the series against Sri-Lanka and India. If there is any chance for India’s young inexperienced side to win the Cup, Ravichandran Ashwin has to come up to the occasion.
Samuel Badree
As of now, he is ranked no.1 bowler in the ICC T20 rankings and this honour is well deserved. His leg spin might be key to the West Indian success on turning pitches, and with the skills he has, he could be lethal for even the best of batsman.
Ravindra Jadeja
After being dropped out of the XI, Jadeja impressed selectors with the bat and bowl in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and when he returned to the XI to face South Africa, he was the second highest wicket-taker after his team-mate R-Ashwin. The most impressive aspect in his game is his accuracy with the ball. Additionally, he heavily contributes in the lower order batting, which makes him a player to watch out for.
AB De Villiers
Arguably the best batsman in the world, De Villiers has gained enough experience in the IPL to be extremely dangerous on the Indian pitches during the World T20. His ‘jack-out-of-the-box’ quality makes him a trouble for all bowlers. His dynamic qualities and quick scoring abilities make him someone to watch out for.
Chris Gayle
Everyone has watched him and everyone knows him. He knows every pitch in India. If this man gets going, he is sure to take the game away from his opponents. His recent 12-ball 50 in the BBL shows his incredible form and makes him someone to watch out for.
