The Twenty20 World Cup is about to get underway and for sure it implies excitement unlimited. The recently concluded IPL2 with all its highs and lows and large fan following has set the stage for Twenty20 World Cup. It also proved to be the platform for players to polish their skills and fight out in the larger arena in England where the battle will happen. There would some enthralling moments and such moments would be created by some fine players. We have put together a few such players who could make or break matches for their team!
Some key players to watch out for..
Manish Pandey ( India)
This young 19 year old lad won the heart of millions with his ton and a few swash buckling knocks that saw his team reach the finals of the IPL. His century, ironically the only one, came against Deccan Chargers in a round robin match, to whom Royal Challengers lost in the finals. Well, the cricketer for now will remain etched in the minds of the selectors and might get a berth in the national team in the days to come.
Pragyan Ojha ( India)
This willy leg spinner with his guile and turn rocked many a oppositions in IPL2. His turn and loop fetched him two crucial wickets in the finals of the IPL2, which eventually saw his team lift the trophy. Ojha with his sterling performance has secured a place for himself in the T20 World Cup.
Ross Taylor ( New Zealand)
Taylor would look to bring in some punch in his batting and if he carries where he left in IPL2 then oppositions would have more than one reason to worry! His short arm pulls and on side shots make him more than handful for any opposition in their group.
Misbah-Ul-Haq ( Pakistan)
Last time’s hero and the anti hero of the finals of the 20-20 world cup, he would be one batsman to watch out for. With a wide array of strokes and loads of aggression, he can propel his team to the super 8’s easily again this time if he shows the form he was in the last world cup.
Lasith Malinga ( Sri Lanka)
Lasith ‘slinga’ Malinga, this slippery pace bowler would be one bowler to watch out for. What makes him different is his uncanny knack of bowling yorkers at will at seering pace which takes batsmen by surprise. His change of pace too has emerged as a lethal tool which has added further firepower in his arsenal!
Jesse Ryder ( New Zealand)
Ryder may have had a quiet IPL2 season but it won’t take long for a batsman of his class to arrive to the party! His cuts and pulls made him a thorn in the flesh for Indians when they toured New Zealand a few months back. Along with Taylor, Ryder would be a batsman who could play some exciting cricket in this World Cup.
David Hussey (Australia)
The Australian would look to power Australia to victory with his performance and if he retain his IPL2 form then there would be some fireworks in the offing for the audience. Hussey can play the role of an attacking batsman as well as a grafter depending on the need of the hour which makes him more than a useful player.
JP Duminy ( South Africa)
Crowds witnessed some streaks of brilliance from this player in the games he played in IPL2 for Mumbai Indians. Although he did not quite live up to the expectations of the crowd, he sure would be hungry to make up for all the lost chances in IPL2 with his classy batting style which has a mix of both text book shots along with modern ones!
Mohammad Ashraful (Bangaldesh)
This right hand batsman and captain of Bangaldesh has lot of responsibility on his young shoulders. Apart from marshalling a side that has been finding it difficult to ground its feet he would have to display his usual belligerent streak and striking a balance between the two won’t be easy by any means for sure!
Yuvraj Singh (India)
The prince of Indian cricket would be waiting to unleash his flurry of strokes. Given the teams in the group, the going for sure is not going to be easy. With the Proteas and Aussies on the prowl, Yuvraj would have to come out and play some of his vintage high backlift pulls and towering sixes to prevail on the other teams. All in all, action waiting to happen in England!
Sanath Jayasuriya ( Sri Lanka)
Despite being the oldest member in the squad he still has the fire power in his arsenal to scuttle any team on his day. With a scratchy perfomance in IPL2, he would be rearing to take a shot at the opposition in the World Cup. Bowlers would dread to bowl at his legs and would have their job cut out against this left hand ‘Marauder from Matara’!
Ishant Sharma ( India)
This tall lanky fast bowler with his pace and bounce stunned the Aussies down under. He would be looking to put up a similar show in this World Cup with quick incisive deliveries and keeping batsmen from scoring!
