The first T20 game in world cricket was between Australia and New Zealand on 17th February 2005. The Kiwis went all retro with retro costumes, headgears, and moustaches. The game was considered a one-off clash conducted entirely to entertain the crowd. However, after India won the T20 World Cup 2007 the game saw a steady rise in viewership.
The Indian Premier League in 2008, which was the brainchild of Lalit Modi, marked the birth of franchise based T20 leagues around the world. Recently Pakistan decided to introduce Pakistan Super League after clashes with the BCCI made it impossible for Pakistani players to play in the IPL.
David Warner, Chris Gayle, and Kieron Pollard are some of the cricketers who have earned a special spot in the hearts of the fans with their consistent performances over the years. They enjoy the spotlight and the plaudits they deserve.
Also read: Top 5 unsung heroes of 2016
Sadly there are so many cricketers who have been delivering excellent performances over the years but have been unable to gain the same attention.
Let’s take a look at 5 such underrated cricketers:
#1 Michael Klinger
Michael Klinger has been one of the most consistent T20 batsmen in the last couple of years. His astute judgement and strokeplay make him an extremely lethal opponent for any bowler.
It’s extremely difficult to make a mark as a batsman when you play for a country like Australia which produces excellent players on a consistent basis. Klinger has taken it up as a challenge and has kept scoring runs over the years.
3891 runs in just 123 T20 matches at an average of 38.91 with a strike rate of 127.03 are extremely good statistics indeed. He is nicknamed the ‘Jewish Bradman” for his abilities which are similar to that of the legendary batsman.
He scored 326 runs for the eventual champions Perth Scorchers in the 2014-15 season of the Big Bash League finishing as the highest scorer. Though he was purchased by the Kochi Tuskers in the 2011 IPL auction he was benched for a major part of the season because of the limitations on foreign players.
It is high time he gets the credit he deserves for his abilities.
#2 Henry Davids
Henry Davids, the South African batsman, is one of the flashiest stroke players currently in the format. His impressive batting performances for the Cape Cobras in the 2009 Champions League T20 at the top of the order ensured victory in the toughest of circumstances.
Davids has played 147 T20 matches and scored 3109 runs at an average of 23.91 and a strike rate of 124.80.
Though his batting performances in the 9 International T20 games he has been a part of so far have left a lot to be desired, his performances at the club level have been as consistent as ever.
While representing the Titans he scored 197 runs in just 4 innings in the 2013 Champions League T20. Sadly the team failed to progress beyond the group stage in spite of his efforts.
He finished as the third run scorer for the St Lucia Zouks in the 2014-15 season of the Carribean Premier League amassing 156 runs in just 7 games which is another indication of what an asset he is to a T20 franchise.
#3 Tymal Mills
Tymal Mills is hailed as one of the most exciting fast bowlers currently in T20 Cricket. His ability to bowl at speeds in excess of 90 mph regularly makes him an asset for any T20 franchise looking for a lethal fast bowler who can strike fear into the hearts of the batsmen.
His performances were so impressive that the English Media demanded his inclusion in the 2013-14 Ashes squad as England’s answer to Mitchell Johnson.
He has managed to pick up 47 wickets in 40 games at an average of 21.55 and an economy rate of just below 8. The left arm fast bowler, if handled effectively, can create an impact similar to Mitchell Starc’s for Australia and RCB.
A congenital back problem has restricted Tymal’s cricketing career to appearances in the shortest format of the game. However, considering his abilities, there is no doubt that the bowler has the talent to become a major success in T20 leagues around the world.
#4 Jason Behrendorff
Jason Behrendorff, the Aussie left-arm fast bowler, is highly rated for his ability to swing the ball at a good pace. Since his debut in 2011, his performances have been remarkable, to say the least.
In the 2013-14 Sheffield Shield, he finished second on the list of the highest wicket takers with 40 scalps.
His performances for BBL franchise Perth Scorchers have been extremely impressive as well. 53 wickets in 38 matches at a strike rate of 16 and an average of 19.47 indicates the ability that the young man possesses.
He is currently just 26 years old and is entering his prime. If nurtured well he can form a lethal partnership in the shorter format of the game with Mitchell Starc for Australia. He can even be a good fast bowling option for IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab who require effective fast bowlers in the upcoming IPL auction.
(Video courtesy: cricket.com.au)
#5 Rajat Bhatia
The 37-year-old all-rounder is one of the most experienced and street-smart players out there. Although his ability to pick up crucial wickets by controlling the flow of runs between the 7th and the 15th overs is his main strength, he is quite handy with the bat as well.
The bowling all-rounder is renowned for his ability to bowl a potent mix of cutters, slower balls and reverse swing deliveries on a regular basis. He represented the Delhi Daredevils in the first season and then plied his trade with clubs like Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Pune Supergiants in the next few seasons of the IPL.
Rajat has so far picked up 103 wickets in 137 matches at an economy rate of just over 7 and an average of 27.45 which is extremely commendable considering the scenario in which he comes out to bowl.
With the bat, he has scored 1133 runs at a decent strike rate of 118.51 with an average of 22.21 which is impressive considering his position down the order which allows him very few balls to get set on the pitch.
Bhatia is a captain’s delight. He has the ability to turn games around with his variations and clearly deserves the limelight.
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