Batsmen are cricket's most pampered lot. They are loved for their ability to hit fours and sixes, for their broad aggression and their ability to thrill the crowd. They hit the headlines for their pyrotechnics, a fifty or a hundred more often than not overshadows everything else. In short, they are game movers.
We have a look at 5 batsmen who we think will set the stadium alight, this #WT20. They are the superstars of their team, the men who matter and the ones who will certainly add spark to the proceedings.
Chris Gayle
Can Gayle take the world by storm and lead the West Indies to victory? © Getty
Besides being the second highest run-getter in the history of World T20, which Gayle has amassed at a strike-rate of over 140, he is one of the most popular faces in T20 cricket. He has the moves, the runs and the aura to instill fear in opposition ranks. In simpler words, West Indies' hopes of winning the ICC World T20 title depends heavily on the form of the big Jamaican, who is arguably the most destructive batsman in the shortest version of cricket.
Virat Kohli
Will Kohli put himself into the league of legends and help India create history once again? © Getty
Sans the fancy of modern day batting, watching Kohli wield the willow is a pleasant sight. There are few who have matched the consistency of the Indian vice-captain in T20 cricket. Not only does he average over 50 in T20Is (only batsman to do so with over 750 runs), but also fashions run-chases with a great amount of success. He will be heading into the tournament at the back of three consecutive half-centuries in Australia.
AB de Villiers
Can the 360 degree man help South Africa shed off their chokers tag? © Getty
At the moment, AB de Villiers ranks 36th in T20 Internationals. But while gearing up against him, no team is going to take the rankings seriously. Even though he is going through a tough phase with the bat, there are few players who can turn the situation of the match as easily as de Villiers. The South African batsman, a nightmare for bowlers and opposing captains, loves the big stage. On a normal day, he could own it.
Kane Williamson
In the absence of Brendon McCullum, it's all up to this man to take New Zealand forward. © Getty
With Brendon McCullum set to retire before the World T20, Williamson will not only have to lead New Zealand, but also be the lynch pin of the batting. With an array of conventional batting strokes, he can shift gears easily. Despite being a technically correct batsman, he scores at a brisk pace - averaging 36.39 at a strike-rate of over 127.
Glenn Maxwell
Maxwell's mad max cricket can help Australia break their tournament jinx. © Getty
A strike rate of 157.02 in T20Is still does not tell the complete story. The beauty of Glenn Maxwell's batting lies in the fact that no other player, barring AB de Villiers, can exploit every inch of vacant space on the ground like the Australian all-rounder. When he gets bored of finding gaps, he chooses to send the ball over the boundary ropes, with as much pleasure and ease. He can turn the course of the match like few others.
via Cricbuzz
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