Five players to watch out for in Champions League T20

With the conclusion of the Ashes and a few other tournaments, Twenty20 aficionados are all set to shout themselves hoarse as the 2013 edition of the Champions League T20 tournament gets underway on September 17.

The top four IPL teams (one qualifier) are the main draws at this event. However, the winners of the KFC Big Bash League are no less anticipated. Even the Faisalabad Wolves are eager to make their mark on Indian pitches in the hope that the impasse between the boards of both nations, owing to political tensions, ends soon. They happen to be the first Pakistan team to play in this league, which should excite their fans across the border.

Since the IPL has completed six seasons, most of the fans already know the players they will watch out for. It is the non-IPL squads which are relatively unknown – except for a few who have received their international caps.

Here are some of the players to watch out for in this edition of the CLT20:

5. James Hopes (Brisbane Heat; captain and all-rounder)

The Queensland all-rounder has been in excellent form of late despite a hamstring strain ruling him out of the semi-finals and finals of the second season of the BBL. He came up with a sterling all-round performance in the match against Warne’s Melbourne Stars, scoring 49 and taking three wickets as he steered his side closer for a spot in the semis.

Having once captained his former IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils in the 2011 season owing to Sehwag’s absence, and turning out for the Kings XI Punjab in each of the first three seasons, the former Australian cricketer, who has battled injuries and also knows Indian conditions like the back of his hand, will be the go-to man for his side in terms of scoring runs or taking wickets, along with his astute captaincy.

Hopes’s key strengths are his accuracy and nagging line with the ball, and his ability to consistently clear the fence as well as keep the scoreboard ticking. The Heat will look to their captain for inspiration as they seek to add another major Twenty20 title to their collection.

4. Quinton de Kock (Highveld Lions, wicket-keeper batsman)

In March this year, the 20-year-old left-handed wicket-keeper batsman hammered 97 runs off just 61 balls as he piloted his side into the finals of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge with a 54-run win over the Dolphins. He did one better by playing a spirited knock of 44 in order to win the trophy for his side and secure a place in the 2013 CLT20.

de Kock’s batting style is very well suited to the slam-bang format: aggressive, hard and all around the wicket. Mumbai Indians will never forget his innings in the previous edition – he took the game away from them with a brutal partnership with Neil McKenzie. He is also athletic behind the stumps, although Thami Tsolekile has been the first-choice keeper for the side.

The Lions have a good chance of winning the trophy this time around, since de Kock has also played in the 2013 IPL for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He is certainly a great find for the side!

3. Nathan Coulter-Nile (Perth Scorchers, all-rounder)

An energetic presence on the field and a very handy pace bowler, Nathan Coulter-Nile had a brilliant outing in the 2011-12 KFC T20 Big Bash League where he finished with 10 wickets. He is also an explosive lower-order batsman, having the ability to wield the long handle to telling effect; in the previous BBL, he struck one of the biggest sixes ever at the Gabba during his six-ball 23-run knock, propelling his side to an incredible victory.

On the flat Indian pitches, Nathan can prove to be a difficult customer since he is an awkward bowler to face and can get the ball to kick off a good length – this can prove trouble for the Indian teams in the fray. A handy asset on the field, Coulter-Nile is certainly one of the players to watch out for in this edition.

2. Misbah ul Haq (Faisalabad Wolves, captain)

No one has forgotten the Pakistan ODI skipper’s innings in the World T20 final against India in 2007 – it brought them on the cusp of victory. The Twenty20 format is something Misbah excels in, and he has the ability to both graft and attack.

Of late, though, the 39-year old captain has been bogged down by his slowing reflexes, thus becoming more of a grafter than a stroke player. He will look to change that perception in this edition of the CLT20 as his side is the first one from Pakistan to qualify for the tournament. His tactical approach will also be under scrutiny as he does get quite defensive with his field placements at times. Nevertheless, the Wolves will look to their skipper to provide the late thrust when required.

1. Neil Broom (Otago Volts, batsman)

The former New Zealand middle-order player has been in superb form for Otago this season. His magnificent innings of 60 in the HRV Cup final enabled his side to overcome Wellington by four wickets. Right throughout the tournament, Broom has made immense contributions to his side, especially during a tense five-wicket win over the Auckland Aces in the run-up to the HRV final.

Broom is strong on both sides of the wicket, and plays the sweep shot against spinners to perfection. He will once again shore up the middle order and form a solid partnership with Brendon McCullum if Otago are to secure the title. Definitely a player to look out for!