5 prominent modern-age T20 cricketers who have not played the Big Bash League

The 2015-16 Big Bash League was played in front of sell-out crowdsThe Australian Big Bash League has seen some of the best cricketers coming in from all parts of the world to ply their trade for different teams representing the various cities in the picturesque nation. The likes of Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis have already created a household name for themselves in the league by playing innings of maturity and class. However, they are a few players who have made it big on the international level by representing their countries and other leagues with trememendous success. These big boys have grabbed many hearts with their performances but still have not managed to feature in a single Big Bash League match. Here’s a look into 5 such players who can gear themselves up for lucrative deals and feature in the T20 tournament.

#5 Corey Anderson

Anderson, en route to his magnificent 95 against the Royals

Corey Anderson is one of the most prestigious all-rounders in the cricket world right now. A left-handed batsman and medium pace bowler, he first came into light after he smashed his way to the then fastest century by smoking the West Indies bowling line-up into smithereens in just 36 balls.

He was picked by the Mumbai Indians for a bargain price and the all-rounder’s performances has been creditable. The innings wherein he scored 95 runs off 44 balls and helped Mumbai Indians qualify for the playoffs when they required 190 runs in just 14.3 overs against Rajasthan Royals will always be remembered. Sent in after the fall of the first wicket, Anderson did not look back at all, smashed the Royals bowlers to all parts and claimed a massive victory for his team.

If he gets a contract in the Big Bash League, his big-hitting prowess and hit-the-deck bowling will surely come to the fore in Australia.

#4 MS Dhoni

Dhoni hints on plying his trade at the Big Bash League

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the current skipper of the Indian limited-overs team is one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world, and his presence is sorely missed in the Big Bash League.

Although, it would be unfair to the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma or Suresh Raina for not singling them out as the Indian who should play in the BBL, but Dhoni’s inclusion in the list is solely because of the respect he garners from around the Cricketing world.

Tagged as one of the great finishers in the game, Dhoni has turned several matches around through his own efforts. In recent times, Dhoni has confessed that he might look towards playing for a team in the BBL, but will depend on his fitness and stamina at the time of his retirement. With Dhoni turning 35 this year, it will be interesting to see if he announces retirement from international cricket and focuses on the t20 extravaganza leagues.

If Dhoni features in the Big bash League, it will be interesting to see if the BCCI permits the other Indian team members to participate as well.

#3 Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn exults after claiming a wicket.

Dale Steyn, leader of South Africa’s bowling line-up is also one cricketer who is missing from the Big Bash roster. Known for tormenting the batsmen with his ability to swing the ball both ways, Steyn was offered a contract by Brisbane Heat. But, he had to withdraw from the tournament after picking up an injury.

Steyn, arguably one of the best in the trade, is heavily missed in the Australian League. Fans will be hoping that he visits their land soon to exhibit his ability to produce noteworthy spells in the shortest format of the game.

Steyn has played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad and the now defunct Deccan Chargers in the IPL.

#2 Mitchell Johnson

Caption

Mitchell Johnson, one of the fastest left-arm pacemen, is the only notable Australian who has missed playing in the Big Bash League. Although he was given a contract by the Perth Scorchers at the beginning of BBL 4, he turned down the lucrative deal and opted to dedicate his time to preparing for the test series instead.

Mitchell Johnson will be forever remembered for hurling thunderbolts on a flat pitch, at times crossing the 150 kmph speed mark. He was at his lethal best, delivering a barrage of bouncers to terrorize the English batsmen in the 2013-14 Ashes.

He represents the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL for whom he has managed to take wickets at regular intervals and stem the flow of runs.

#1 AB de Villiers

AB, executing an innovative shot

AB De Villiers who is one of the most destructive batsman that the world has grown to see, is also one of the biggest misses from the Big Bash scenario. The holder of the record for the fastest 50,100 and 150 in ODIs, AB is nicknamed Mr.360 due to his ability to play strokes towards any part of the ground.

The current skipper of the South African Test and ODI team, De Villiers represents the Royal Challengers Bangalore where he has created a massive fan base for himself. It has grown to such an extent that Bangalore treat De Villiers as their own son for the pyrotechnics he presents to them on the field.

With a stunning strike rate of 130+ in T20I cricket, ABD has carved himself a nice little niche in the t20 format. With his flawless abilility to pick the ball added to his magic packet of innovativeness, De Villiers can demolish any attack thrown at him.

Going by recent news, it is understood that the Sydney Thunder are going to present AB with an-all out bid in order to procure his services for the next season of the Big Bash League. If De Villiers takes it, BBL followers will surely be treated to a thunderous marvel.