CPL 2020: Five batsmen to watch out for
Post the COVID-19 hiatus, the cricket scenario is eventually getting back on track with fans witnessing many international and domestic tournaments. The T20 extravaganza of the Caribbean Premier League is also scheduled to return from August 18th. It will be the first major T20 domestic league to be played amid the pandemic.
With a plethora of world-class players set to ply their trade in the league, it’s certainly going to be a treat for cricket fanatics. The CPL 2020, a closed-door event, will be a 33-match tournament with Guyana Amazon Warriors locking horns against Trinbago Knight Riders in the opener.
With many prolific batsmen slated to brace the field for their respective franchises, fans can certainly expect a flurry of boundaries. On that note, let’s look at top five batsmen who are expected to dazzle in this year’s CPL:
5. Sunil Narine
Regarded as a mystery spinner, Sunil Narine’s impressive bowling forte isn’t a secret. However, along with delivering with the ball, Narine can also pull off the role of a pinch-hitter for Trinbago Knight Riders.
He has performed the role of a pinch-hitter for Kolkata Knight Riders as well and has reinvented himself as a threatening batsman in recent times. In the previous CPL, Narine had scored 117 runs in seven matches at a blistering strike-rate of 167.1. Trinbago Knight Riders will be banking on Narine to deliver some fireworks again this season.
4. Andre Russell
Caribbean giant Andre Russell holds the potential to turn the tide with his sheer power and batting prowess. While leading Jamaica Tallawahs, Russell is expected to deliver many blistering knocks during the tournament.
Russell leads the table when it comes to strike-rate in CPL. 29-year-old Russell has amassed 1109 runs in 57 matches at an impressive strike-rate of 181.20. The right-hander certainly holds the potential to single-handedly steer Tallawahs to the victory by his vicious quick-fire knocks.
3. Kieron Pollard
Just like Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard also possesses the ability to single-handedly win the match for his side. Pollard’s previous CPL season was an impressive one. In 12 matches, the right-hander scored 349 runs at a brilliant average of 58.2. He scored a half-century and four 30+ scores last year.
Pollard’s CPL 2018 was even better as he scored 330 runs in nine matches including a blistering 104 off 54 deliveries. Considering his stats of the previous two editions, Pollard is anticipated to deliver for Trinbago Knight Riders this year as well.
2. Ross Taylor
Veteran Ross Taylor, having a vast experience under his belt, is one of the overseas players to watch out for. Despite being in the latter phase of his career, no one can deny that he still holds the potential to smash humongous sixes.
Equipped with a variety of shots, Taylor will be bolstering the middle-order of Guyana Amazon Warriors this year. In the 2018 edition, the dynamic batsman had scored 220 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 55. He had also mustered two half-centuries in CPL 2018. The Kiwi stalwart will be bringing an enormous experience to the Warriors’ squad.
1. Chris Lynn
A powerful striker of the ball and a prolific opener, Chris Lynn has proved his worth in major domestic leagues across the globe. Lynn was the top run-scorer in the 2016 edition of the CPL, scoring 454 runs in 12 matches at an average of 45.4.
The 30-year-old will be aiming to deliver similar performances while donning the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots jersey this season. His last outing was in PSL 2020 against Multan Sultans where he stunned the crowd by smashing an unbeaten 113. Lynn, without a doubt, can propel his side to a flying start with his explosive knocks.
