Early prediction: 5 upcoming cricketers who could shine in 2016

As we prepare to bid adieu to 2015, fans are busy predicting how their favourite stars will fare in the coming year ahead. The likes of Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Joe Root and AB de Villiers had a great year and will be expected to continue the good work in 2016.But it will be interesting to imagine which young, upcoming players could shine in 2016 and firmly establish themselves as the next best talent. Let's make an early prediction.Here are 5 upcoming cricketers who could shine in 2016.

#5 Gurkeerat Singh Mann

For a man who has not even made his international debut, Gurkeerat Singh Mann might seem to be a surprise inclusion in this list. But if truth be told, Gurkeerat has a lot going for him now and sources say that he is already being looked up to as India's next finisher in limited overs cricket.

There is no dearth of potential when it comes to this talented youngster. Some of his brilliant knocks for India A including a career-defining performance against Australia A in the final of the tri-series turned things around for him.

And with Yuvraj Singh there to groom him, Mann could not have had a better mentor. Speaking on Yuvraj's influence on him, Mann said, "Yuvraj has shared everything he knows with me since the time I got into the Punjab team. We share a very crucial partnership because if one of us gets out, the tail starts."

Not since MS Dhoni has there been so much expectation on a talented Indian youngster even before he made his debut. 2016 might be the year for Gurkeerat Singh Mann to prove his believers right.

#4 Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock broke into the national team after a series of brilliant domestic performances and has been touted to be the next best thing in South African cricket for some time now. For a youngster who already has over 2000 ODI runs and 10 centuries in his kitty, the statistics suggest that de Kock is not doing too badly.

But there is a sense of frustration among fans and pundits alike who feel that he is not doing enough to justify his potential. He has been criticised for being too rash in his stroke-play at times, slashing at deliveries outside the off stump in a reckless manner.

In an interview withEspncricinfo, de Kock said, "People have told me I have talent. Guys like Macky and Hashim [Amla] have told me that and sometimes I hate it because I have too many options. But they also told me it's all down to hard work."

Quinton de Kock has scored 511 ODI runs, including two centuries, from 17 matches at an average of 31.93 this year. 2016 might be the year when he gets more consistent and tastes more success.

#3 Joe Burns

When Joe Burns completed his century on the first day of the Boxing Day Test against the West Indies, he tore off to mid-off and kissed his helmet, full of emotion. If reports are to be believed, Burns did not believe he would make it to the team for the Boxing Day Test and was more than happy to repay the selectors' faith in him.

Burns had not done too badly having accumulated 550 runs from the 6 Test matches at an average of 55 he played this year. He has been involved in three straight century partnerships with David Warner. Burns came into the national side with a brilliant domestic record and is already beginning to do justice to his potential.

It might just be a matter of time before he establishes himself firmly in the Australian top order. As Burns continues to grow from strength to strength, he might just be one of the top batsmen to watch out for in 2016.

#2 Ben Stokes

In their first Test against New Zealand in May, England were reduced to the precarious position of 30 for 4 and the entire batting order looked poised for an embarrassing collapse. In walked Ben Stokes and scored a brilliant, counter-attacking 92 off 94 balls. His crucial partnership with Joe Root helped England turn things around.

Stokes followed it up with the fastest century ever at Lord's in the second innings and eventually guided England to a 124-run victory. A star was born. The English fans who loves to worship all-rounders instantly found themselves comparing Stokes with Botham and Flintoff. He has been equally effective with the ball finishing with figures of 6 for 36 against Australia at Trent Bridge during the Ashes series this summer.

Stokes who has said that he is enjoying the added responsibility of batting at number six as an all-rounder has an unmistakable charisma and magnetism about him. His passion whether as a batsman or with ball in hand makes him a thorough entertainer.

"It would be nice to think I'm one of the cricketers fans want to sit and watch. People want to see boundaries, people want to see quick scoring and people want to see people bowl quick," he said in an interview to the BBC. 2016 might just be a great year for him.

#1 Mustafizur Rahman

When India toured Bangladesh this year, no one expected them to get so comprehensively beaten in the ODI series. The man who made the difference was an unassuming youngster whose cutters bamboozled everyone. And Mustafizur Rahman announced himself on the big stage as the next mystery bowler whom no one could read.

Rahman continued his good work in the home series against South Africa and played a crucial role that helped Bangladesh emerge victorious. He bagged a whopping 25 wickets in his first 11 international matches and became the only cricketer in the world to win Man of the Match awards in his debut Test and ODI.

In the Chittagong Test, he took three wickets off four balls. But by then, he had already shot to fame and was one of the most talked about youngsters in the world. 2016 will be a big year for him as he tries to be more consistent and establish himself fully as the next best upcoming fast bowler.