The fifth edition of the ICC World T20 is all set to get underway in Bangladesh. On the occasion, we felt it was apt to pick five players who we think could rock in the current edition.
Aaron Finch: The burly opener from Australia, Finch hasn’t had a consistent run in the side since debut. But, those who knew his ability weren’t stunned when Finch blazed his way to 156 off merely 63 balls against England at Southampton in August last year. This T20 performance came at the back of Australia’s 3-0 loss in the preceding Ashes. Finch smashed 14 sixes and 11 fours in this record-breaking innings, which made the world sit up and take notice.
Rohit Sharma: Seems like an unfair choice when the likes of Dhoni, Jadeja, Kohli or, for that matter, even Dhawan is part of the Indian squad. But, there is something about the T20 format that brings out the best in Sharma. He was instrumental in India’s World T20 triumph back in 2007, playing sizzling knocks against the best of attacks. He also has the experience of leading Mumbai Indians to the IPL title with some brilliant performances.
Corey Anderson: He may not have got the kind of package he was expected to at the IPL 7 auction, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he would be among the most watched players in this year’s World T20. Anderson made headlines after breaking Shahid Afridi’s two- decade long record of the fastest ODI hundred while batting against West Indies at Queenstown at the start of the year. He also played some quickies against India and is a handy medium pacer with the ball as well. New Zealand will depend heavily on him this time.
David Miller: The South African left-hander has had a mixed run with the national team, but there is no doubting his amazing potential. In last year’s IPL, he pulled off some stunning chases for Kings XI Punjab and single-handedly kept the franchise alive in the tournament. Miller is among the few players who look elegant even when they are playing the big strokes. It is this combination that makes him even more amazing to watch. He is yet to register a T20 fifty in 20 games, but then so is Dhoni, so Miller is in good company.
Dwayne Smith: Yes, Chris Gayle is the most dangerous T20 batsman in the team, and then there is also Marlon Samuels, who has proven his versatility in the format. But, rather unknowingly, Smith has become a vital cog in the West Indies line-up. When both Gayle and Smith fire in tandem, West Indies become doubly dangerous. The greater advantage with Smith at the top however is the fact that they can still overcome Gayle’s early dismissal, provided his opening partner is in his elements. Smith featured in a number of rollicking opening partnerships in the 2012 edition and would want to continue the same this year too.
--By A Cricket Analyst
