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Cricket, the world over is now being dominated by the shorter (50 overs) and the shortest format (20 overs). And why wouldn’t it be? The pundits of the game may crook a nose to these two categories, but for the paying public – the T20 category is the ultimate form of entertainment.
Slam bang hitting, quick runs, fireworks, DJ-conducted music, brilliant fielding and bold hitting and above all a guaranteed result makes T20 the most watched cricket event. Spare a thought for the bowlers, but then no… no one goes out to watch bowlers in action in a T20 game.
The ICC has been quick to catch on this fad. Hence, the T20 World Cup is played on a biennial basis while the 50-over format takes place every four years. Test Championships … well the ICC has been discussing it with no possible solution available on the cricket horizon.
India will host the sixth edition of the ICC World T20 with the tournament approximately 26-27 days away. As usual discussions on possible stars, favourites for the tournament are dominating discussions over brewing cups of coffee and the last peg before dinner. Orissa Post takes a look, this time at the batsmen who are expected to rule the roost.
Virat Kohli (India): Indian cricket’s latest poster boy is the heart and soul of the Indian fans and they pin all their hopes on him. There may be other players in the team who have the potential to be match-winners, but then it is Kohli who makes the heart skip a beat whenever he is on the field. A tremendous show in Australia where India dominated the T20 series to win 3-0, makes him one of the contenders for the man of the series in the ensuing T20 Worlds.
M-33 R-1215 HS-90 50s-12 SR-136.51
Rohit Sharma(India): What makes this Mumbaikar stand out is his lazy elegance and clean hitting. Rohit doesn’t have to slog in his chase for runs, he does so by playing orthodox cricket shots most of the time – effortlessly wading into the bowlers. India will definitely hope that he continues his good work at the top of the order.
M-48 R-1010 HS-106 100s-1 50s-9 SR-128.99
Glenn Maxwell (Australia): Mad Max as he is popularly known, is a clear match-winner. According to Ian Chappell, “He has five shots for every ball and that is what leads to his downfall.” But the small Indian grounds (in comparison to Australia) will definitely be a huge boon for him. In the mood, no length or line is difficult for him as he can clear the ropes at will. A brilliant fielder also anywhere on the ground.
M-27 R-391 HS-74 50s-1 SR-157.02
David Warner (Australia): This left-hander knows to bat in only one possible manner and that is to go hammer and tongs against the bowlers. The format doesn’t matter – Warner will attack and the T20 version gives him the opportunity to swish his bat like a rapier – ask the Indian bowlers and they will be the first to verify.
M-54 R-1465 HS-90* 50s-11 SR-138.86
Shane Watson (Australia): One doesn’t yet know whether Australia will use this all-rounder at the top of the order. But then he is the most dangerous as an opener as it gives him the time to plan his attack. Watson is also very handy with ball and the low and slow Indian pitches will definitely help his military medium.
M-52 R-1315 HS-124* 100s-1 50s-10 SR-146.11 W-42
Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan): Another of the orthodox breed who can score freely under any circumstances. All-rounders usually are assets for any side and if Hafeez is allowed to bowl (ICC decision on his action is pending), then in sub-continent conditions he is a real handful.
M-71 R-1514 HS-86 50s-8 SR-124.87 W-46
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan): People may talk about his inconsistency etc, but then the T20 format is the ideal format for the Pak skipper. Gone are the days when Afridi would play a 50-ball 75. Now lower down the order his eight-ball 22 or 10-ball 30 is crucial for the fortunes of the team. He has that ability to take the game away in the space of one over. His leg-spin is also handy in the shortest format of the game.
M-90 R-1313 HS-54* 50s-4 SR-149.27 W-91
Eoin Morgan (England): The England limited overs skipper has redefined one-day batting. The improvisation that he brings to the crease is a nightmare for the opposition bowlers. And Morgan revels in captaincy and bats fearlessly.
M-54 R-1285 HS-84* 50s-7 SR-133.02
Jos Buttler (England): In the last 10 T20 games that he has played for England, his strike rate has been an outstanding 184.28. He is one of the main reasons why England are such a potent force with Buttler batting either at the top or at No. 5. One of the most powerful hitters in the game at present, Buttler will definitely be a handful for the opposition.
M-40 R-562 HS-67 50s-2 SR-133.80
AB de Villiers (South Africa): Doesn’t need any definition. The ‘God of Batting’ at this juncture. Can play with sublime orthodox methods and at the same time can be ruthlessly unorthodox. Probably, one of the true match-winners in the real sense of the word. His IPL experience will stand him in very good stead as he will be well aware of the conditions in India.
M-63 R-1167 HS-79* 50s-6 SR-135.88
M-Matches, R-Runs, HS-Highest score, SR-Strike Rate, W-Wickets, *-not out
India matches (Group phase)
March 15 vs New Zealand Nagpur
March 19 vs Pakistan Dharmasala
March 23 vs Qualifier Bangalore
March 27 vs Australia Mohali
