All eyes around the world will be on the ICC World T20 2016 — it all starts Tuesday! India and New Zealand will play the opening match of the tournament at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
The teams have oiled themselves well for this big-ticket event. None of the matches are going to be boring, for sure. The battles are going to be fierce, banters are not going to be nice, bouncers will fly, yorkers will roll out, balls are going to kiss the sky and fans are going to rise in cheer for their favourite side — because thr coveted World T20 trophy is at stake.
Before it all begins, let us take a look at a key player from each nation who can make a difference in the ICC World T20 2016:
Virat Kohli (India): Kohli can currently be termed the golden boy of cricket. He has been in the form of his life in recent times, and it looks like he can do no wrong with his willow. His average in the shortest format of the game is a jaw-dropping 117, and that too in T20 cricket! India are favourites to win this tournament, and with the kind of form he is in, one may get to see Kohli doing the "Gangnam" dance April 3 at the Eden Gardens with the trophy.
Glenn Maxwell (Australia): This talented all-rounder has played a lot of cricket in subcontinental conditions, and will be well used to it. When he hits the cricket ball, it stays hit. The boundaries are irrelevant as he can clear them with consummate ease. Maxwell has a weak point against off-spinners, and must have prepared himself well for it. "Maxi" will be like — Bring it on!
Sabbir Rahman (Bangladesh): This right-handed all-rounder — often called a silent assassin — has evolved over time and is surely one of the best Bangladesh have in their ranks. He also has this knack of picking up odd wickets when needed.
Andre Russell (West Indies): "Dre Russ" — as he is popularly called — has played a lot of cricket in the IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders, and is one all-rounder who takes very little time to make an impact on a game, both with the bat and the ball. He can hit those colossal sixes and make bowlers feel like meek sheep.
Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan): The minnows have done it again and made it to the main stage of the ICC World T20. Mohammad Nabi has been instrumental in Afghanistan's success in the qualifiers, and will look to continue with his form with the bat as well as the ball in the main phase of the ICC World T20 2016.
Colin Munro (New Zealand): This left-handed destructive batsman can score runs at a brisk pace and currently is one of the most underrated players in world cricket. He was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders recently for the upcoming IPL, following his performances for his nation in the shortest format of the game. He is surely a player to watch out for.
AB de Villiers (South Africa): Cricket's Mr 360 degrees is out of form, and that is not very good news for the Proteas, who are one of the serious contenders for the ICC World T20 title. But the entire cricketing fraternity knows, it takes very little time for one of the most devastating batsmen in the world to get back in rhythm. And once on song, he sends shivers down the spines of bowlers.
Mohammad Amir (Pakistan): Ever since he returned to international cricket, he has hardly bowled any poor delivery. His inswinging yorkers have been spot-on. His opening spells always come with an impending threat. Amir is surely the best seamer Pakistan have in their ranks, and his form will be crucial for Shahid Afridi & Co in this tournament.
Jos Buttler (England): The England wicketkeeper-batsman is extremely dangerous when it comes to limited overs' cricket. He has hit three of the fastest centuries for England in ODIs, and can have an equal impact in this format of the game. He can muscle the ball easily out of the park, and when he does, he is a visual treat.
Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka have been awful in this format of the game in recent times. They have not won either of their warm up games ahead of the ICC World T20 2016. If the Lankans want positive results in the World T20, Herath needs to turn the ball square and fox batsmen, just like he used to do, in these subcontinental conditions.
