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In a recent fun interview with ESPNCricinfo, England’s cricketer Jonny Bairstow, currently playing for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, shared insights into his views on the top T20 batters, toughest bowlers he has faced throughout his career and many other interesting questions.
Jonny Bairstow insights: Top three T20 batters
Bairstow, known for his explosive batting and dynamic wicketkeeping skills, revealed his current top three T20 batters. According to him, the list includes Suryakumar Yadav, Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen. Each of these players brings a unique skill set to the T20 format, with Yadav’s innovative stroke play, Buttler’s aggressive batting style, and Klaasen’s ability to anchor the innings effectively.
Toughest bowlers
Reflecting on the toughest bowlers he has encountered, Bairstow highlighted South African legend Dale Steyn and Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Both Steyn and Bumrah are renowned for their pace, accuracy, and ability to trouble batters with their variations, making them formidable opponents on any surface.
Also READ: Sam Curran picks Rohit Sharma among the three batters for his dream T20 hat-trick
One admirable opponent in England’s team
Bairstow also shared insights into the bowler who gave him sleepless nights, naming Australian pace legend Mitchell Johnson. Johnson’s raw pace and aggressive bowling style posed significant challenges for Bairstow during their encounters on the field. Expressing admiration for Australian skipper Pat Cummins, Bairstow revealed his desire to face Cummins in the Ashes series, citing his all-round cricketing abilities and leadership qualities as reasons for wanting him on the England team.
Spinner to avoid
When asked about a spinner he would like to avoid facing, Bairstow wasted no time in naming Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, describing him as “phenomenal” due to his ability to turn the ball sharply and contribute with both bat and ball in crucial situations.
Bairstow’s IPL 2024 campaign with Punjab Kings
Despite his illustrious career, Bairstow has faced a challenging IPL 17 campaign with Punjab, struggling to replicate his top form in the tournament. With just 96 runs in six matches at an average of 16.00, Bairstow will be keen to turn the tide and make significant contributions to his team’s success in the upcoming matches.
As Punjab currently sits in ninth place in the IPL standings with two wins and five losses, Bairstow and his teammates will be aiming to bounce back and showcase their potential in the remainder of the tournament. Their next challenge awaits them against the Gujarat Titans (GT) at Mullanpur Stadium on Sunday (April 21), where Bairstow will have another opportunity to make an impact on the field.
