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Cricket enthusiasts around the world are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the USA next year. This edition promises to be a thrilling spectacle, combining the Caribbean flair for the game with the growing popularity of cricket in the United States of America.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been closely monitoring player performances across international matches and various leagues, and as the tournament approaches, they have identified five players whose recent form makes them strong contenders for a spot in their respective national squads:
ICC points out five players whose form puts them in strong contention for T20 World Cup 2024
1. Ravi Bishnoi:
In T20 leagues, the emerging Indian leg-spinner, renowned for his deceptive variations, has been turning heads. His stellar performance in the recently concluded five-games T20I series against Australia set him apart as a standout performer for India. Bishnoi clinched nine wickets overall, three more than any other player, boasting an impressive economy rate of just 8.20. Acting as India’s go-to man for breakthroughs in the middle overs, he deservedly earned the ‘Player of the Series’ award.
2. Jason Behrendorff:
Australia’s proficient left-arm pacer, known for his express pace and skillful swing, has been in excellent form. Behrendorff showcased his prowess by claiming six wickets in four fixtures against India, with his best figures of 2/32 coming in the fourth T20I. Notably, he maintained an outstanding economy rate of 6.68, the best among all Australian bowlers. His ability to strike early and excel in death overs makes him a crucial asset for Australia in the upcoming tournament.
3. Rinku Singh:
The Indian batter has been a force to be reckoned with, displaying his power-hitting prowess in domestic T20 competitions. Beyond his batting prowess, Singh’s impactful and agile fielding, whether diving to save boundaries or taking extraordinary catches, makes him a dynamic presence on the field. His knack for accelerating the scoring rate in the middle order adds depth to India’s batting lineup.
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4. Tanveer Sangha:
Australia’s leg-spin maestro has been mesmerizing batters with his repertoire of spin variations. Sangha’s control and consistent wicket-taking ability position him as a key player in Australia’s T20 setup. Despite his limited appearances, Sangha showcased his skills in all five matches against India, claiming five wickets. Noteworthy was his impressive control over runs against India’s explosive batting lineup.
5. Ruturaj Gaikwad:
The stylish Indian batter has been leaving a lasting impression with his elegant stroke play and adaptability. Gaikwad’s recent performances highlight his capability to anchor the innings and switch to aggressive cricket when needed. In the series’ third encounter, he compiled an incredible 123 not out, and his overall tally of 223 runs, the highest in the series, solidified his status as India’s lone century-maker during the T20I series.
As the cricketing world gears up for the T20 extravaganza, these players, among others, are likely to be in the spotlight as teams strive to assemble their best squads for a shot at T20 glory in 2024.
