The T20 World Cup 2022 will begin around the 15th of next month. Openers play a very crucial role in making the T20 game exciting. They are the ones who set the tempo of the game. A crisp but short start is something that makes a huge impact. With that being said, who can be the top 5 openers on the global stage this time around? Here is a look:
**Haven’t considered very common names such as Warner, Finch, Butler, and Babar Azam because these players are bound to do well**
Martin Guptill will be a Good Opener at the T20 World Cup 2022:
Martin Guptill is one of the most underrated assets of the NZ cricket team. He was a sensation for them at the ODI World Cup in 2015 which also happens to be the last World Cup played in Australia. Martin Guptill is already a T20 legend considering that he is in the list of top 3 run-getters in T20Is. He has a great cover drive and authority over the short ball. The Australian pitches will favor him.
Rohit Sharma will be a Good Opener at the T20 World Cup 2022:
Rohit Sharma is a bomb in ODI cricket. We have also seen him excel in T20 cricket. But the big performances in the T20 World Cups are missing. One can certainly recall how good his performances were at the ODI World Cup in 2019. If Rohit can assert that dominance in this World Cup, it would be a treat. He loves it when the ball comes onto the bat; hence, the fast Australian wickets will suit him. There is no better player of the bouncer or short ball than Rohit Sharma.
Mohammad Rizwan:
Babar and Rizwan on their day play no-nonsense cricket. They are the kind of players that take nothing for granted on their day. Rizwan punishes every loose ball. He makes sure that the bowlers realize their mistakes to the fullest. He is a person of true character. There are games that he has played while being on IV Fluids and steroids. This speaks a lot about his strong mentality. Rizwan’s game against spin is a treat to watch. He can effectively deal with bowlers like Zampa, Yuzi, and Rashid.
Quinton De Kock:
De Kock will be a senior player at this World Cup as he happens to be the most experienced South African batter after David Miller. If Miller and De Kock can make handy contributions with the bat, the South Africans will prove to be a nightmare. De Kock being left-handed has struggled against off-spin but that aspect has improved in the past few years. He is good with the deliveries that come up to his stomach and chest, he belts them brutally.
Kusal Mendis will be a Good Opener at the T20 World Cup 2022:
A surprise name on this list is another left-hander Kusal Mendis. Mendis showed signs of great form against India at the Asia Cup 2022. Mendis will be partnered by Pathum Nissanka who was mighty impressive in the last edition of the World Cup. I wouldn’t say Sri Lanka can win the World Cup, but if these senior players play up to their potential Sri Lanka can easily qualify for the Semis. His game towards square-leg and mid-on is his strong zone.
To know more go to Jhulan Goswami: The Best of Indian Cricket Retires from All Formats of Cricket. 2022
Read more such articles at ICC T20 World Cup 2022: 3 Questions to be Solved by Indian Team Before the World Cup Begins.
To know more go to the official website of the BCCI.