Cricket News

Adam Gilchrist names his top five T20I players ahead of 20-20 World Cup 2022

Adam Gilchrist was known for demolishing the bowlers in his heyday and is arguably the greatest wicketkeeper batter for Australia. He was part of the Kangaroos in an era when they dominated world cricket in all formats in the 2000s. The 20-20 World Cup is set to commence in a short time, and before the tournament gets underway, Gilchrist was asked to pick his top 5 players in the T20I format at present.

Gilchrist’s first pick was David Warner. The Dashing Australian batter was in superb form in the last edition of the 20-20 World Cup where he scored 289 runs in seven matches at an average of 48.16 and a smashing strike rate of 146.70. He roared back to form in that edition after having a forgettable Indian T20 League. “He’s at the top of the order, I think just his attacking attitude, the way he kick-starts innings at the top, and the confidence he’ll have from the previous T20 World Cup,” Gilchrist was quoted as saying.

The Australian’s second pick was Babar Azam who recently shined bright against England in the series against Pakistan where he scored big runs in the series against England. “His versatility across all formats, but also when it’s getting down to T20 cricket, just across all conditions, I think he can play all conditions really well,” Gilchrist said.

The next pick was star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder has been on the rise since his sensational comeback in Indian T20 League 2022 where he led Gujarat to a maiden title. “Pandya is just an awesome figure straight across the board, his ability to bat, bowl, field and entertain, he’s definitely in there,” added the former Australian wicketkeeper.

The fourth pick was Afghanistan starlet spinner Rashid Khan, who has been a sensation in T20 Leagues all over the world and has played a big role in Afghanistan’s rise “He’s just got to be there in any T20 team, doesn’t he? Cricketer of the year in this format across the world. Over the last decade, Rashid Khan is in there,” said the 50-year-old.

The final pick was the England skipper, Jos Butler, who is known for hard-hitting. “It’s a bit batting heavy I know, but Jos Buttler for me, he is just dynamic, his power and his courage to take it on. Simply a stroke of brilliance from him and its game over,” Gilchrist said.