With the Twenty20 World Cup just around the corner, which players will shine and who will give their nation the edge in bringing home the trophy?
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. His recent heroics include his 93* in 30 balls against Sri Lanka to his 87* in 68 balls against Pakistan.
Opening along with Kane Williamson, he forms and absolutely unbreakable wall. When these two set, there is no stopping the BlackCaps.
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Kane Williamson
Ever since his debut in 2010, he has been a solid pillar in the Blackcaps’ batting line-up, and now after the retirement of Brendon McCullum, he has been given a huge responsibility of captaining the team. Every time he comes on, 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 Clarke’s retirement in 2015, Smith has led 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
India’s Test captain has become the fastest to 7000 ODI runs. Ranked at second for ODIs and T20s, Kohli is one of the most aggressive batsman going around. He expresses his emotions out loud on the field.
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 overs batsman.
Ajinkya Rahane
He might not be a big hitter but his ability to rotate strike is his strength. Rahane is not only a quality batsman but an excellent slip fielder, which is something very important in terms of the Indian square-turning pitches. His recent form in the one-day game has been very good and he definitely holds a big job in the fairly inexperienced Indian batting line-up.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Do I even have to say anything? This man is on the peak of his career 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, it is Ravichandran Ashwin.
Samuel Badree
As of now, he is the 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 ball in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. When he returned to the XI to face South Africa he was the second highest wicket taker after teammate 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 Indian pitches during the World T20. His ‘jack-out-of-the-box’ quality makes him a trouble for all bowlers.
De Villiers’ dynamic qualities and scoring abilities make him someone to watch out for.
Chris Gayle
Gayle can take a match away from you in just a few balls. His recent twelve-ball 50 in the BBL shows his incredible form, and makes him someone to watch out for.
Gurlivleen Grewal
Roar Pro
Guptil is much like Finch - not good enough against quality opposition or in tricky conditions. Tend to look ungainly but effective overall. And they never look like being in test sides. Guptill has improved a hell lot since the world-cup in shorter formats. There are not many quality fast bowlers going around and also there are grounds where spinners tend to become just slow bowlers. So he has been consistently dangerous at the top. Expect a good spanking of Aus attack in ODIs.
13th Man
Guest
New Zealand I think might win this tournament. Looking down their side I think it looks very strong. Only issue is lack of a spinner but watch Kane Williamson dominate this tournament. Him, Kohli and Smith are the ones to watch. India will be up there, Pakistan perhaps if there heads are screwed on right and dare i say it England might do alright. India V NZ final is my prediction.
13th Man
Guest
Have watched Guptill dominate every other team around but struggles against Australia. I think he might enjoy the bowling attack we serve up this time around though. Kiwis will flog us in the ODI's, we might go alright in the tests though.
Arwin
Guest
My picks for the WCT20. Left a lot of good players (Steyn, Finch, Dhoni, Badree, Smith....), but based on the conditions and recent form, I reckon that the man of the tournament is somewhere in this list. Gayle Warner Kohli Munro ABD Maxwell Shakib Afridi Ashwin Starc Malinga
Targa
Guest
T20 World Cup (not ODI WC). In T20s Guptill averages 37 against SAf, Aus and India (better than his overall average of 34). His only T20 century was against Steyn and co in the republic
Targa
Guest
Having looked at the average (average, not poor) Australian fielding this year, Guptill would make the ODI/T20 sides on that alone. Catches and run outs win matches and Guptill is (one of) the best fielder (s) in the world.
Don Freo
Guest
Like the name, Chris. Lou Cairns would have been better.
Chris Vincent
Roar Pro
Credit where it's due with Guptill, he's played some great T20 and ODI innings lately against good sides. Probably in career best form. How can you argue against his inclusion in a subjective, 'one to watch' list?
James Fitzgerald
Roar Rookie
If picked, Lynn and Head will struggle big time on asian pitches, only make runs on flat/placid decks. Australia will have to rely on the typical players, Warner, Smith , Maxwell etc
Craig Swanson
Guest
If they are flat tracks like in the IPL then I would agree with most on your list , in particular Kholi. I would also add Australians Finch, Maxwell, Lynn and Head if they are picked.
Amitabh
Guest
Khawaja if given a chance in the world cup will be a player to watch out, no one in better form at present
Tana Mir
Roar Rookie
"let’s just remember what happened the last time Australia batted in New Zealand" And did New Zealand win that game majestically?! Or they struggled as well. Selective memory I suppose doesn't hurt :)
NickBrisbane
Guest
If he is in the team it will be interesting to see how Rabada from SA goes - after just taking 13 wickets against England
Clark
Guest
Luckily this is an opinion site, let's just remember what happened the last time Australia batted in New Zealand and also the fact that they are absolute bunnies in the sub continent
Don Freo
Guest
Not any state or BBL sides either.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Guptill, quite clearly, if he was Australian would not make the Aussie ODI or T20 sides.
Nudge
Guest
Which other night out of the 6? The 5 that Australia scored 300 or the other one
Red Kev
Roar Guru
This is Guptill's chance though - no Starc, no Cummins, no more Johnson. If he's facing Richardson and Tait...it could get very messy very fast.
Clark
Guest
I'm not surprised at that reaction. All I know is that he is a damn sight better at the moment than what The Australian batsmen did the other night
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
It's important to understand the context of why Australia fans snigger at Guptill: In 32 innings against Australia, across all 3 formats, he has averaged 17 with the bat. Obviously, then, Australians are not going to have any respect for his batting.