Afghanistan’s ace spinner Rashid Khan has named his top five players in the shortest format of the game. The right-hander engaged with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for this fun activity ahead of the much-awaited 2021 T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Humbly, the 23-year-old did not include himself despite an outstanding T20I record with an average of 12.63 and economy rate of 6.21. The first player in his picks was the current India skipper and one of the greatest batters of all-time, Virat Kohli. The ‘Modern Master’ has smashed T20I 3,159 runs in 89 games at an average of over 52.
At number two, Khan named New Zealand skipper and his long-time teammate at Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL, Kane Williamson. Just like Kohli, KW is one of the most consistent batters in modern-day cricket across the globe.
“A destructive batsman,” Khan said while picking former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers in his list of top five T20 cricketers. One of the most dangerous power-hitters of all-time, ABD has gained success with his ‘unconventional’ batting abilities in various franchise-based leagues.
“Someone who can give you quick runs at any stage, any wicket, against any bowler and he can play any shot. As a captain, you will always love to have that batsman,” the Afghan cricketer said in awe of De Villiers.
MI all-rounders Pollard, Hardik complete Rashid’s list
The leg-break bowler went on to pick two of the most destructive all-rounders in limited-overs cricket, Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya. The duo has played significantly well for their respective nations and is one of the key reasons behind the monumental success of their IPL franchise – Mumbai Indians (MI).
“These two will be my key (batters) who can chase 80-90 when I need them in the last four-five overs,” Khan said of Pollard and Pandya. “They are the kind of batsmen who can do the job for you easily.”
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