5 batsmen to watch out for in the Abu Dhabi T10 2021

The Abu Dhabi T10 2021 kicks off tomorrow with a clash between the Maratha Arabians and the Northern Warriors.

The league will see many marquee stars from West Indies, Pakistan and Afghanistan participate in it. All eight teams have assembled decent rosters, but some have been affected by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board refusing to issue No-Objection Certificates to all but three players.

The 10-over format is bound to produce fireworks with the bat, and here are 5 batsmen to watch out for in the Abu Dhabi T10 2021.

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#5 Andre Fletcher (Bangla Tigers)

Fletcher burst into life in the BBL with an unbeaten 89 against the Strikers

Andre Fletcher was in the headlines during the Big Bash League for his stunning outfield catches and no-look sixes, but he didn't have the kind of tournament he'd have liked. The explosive Windies opener managed only one innings of note - an unbeaten 89 against the Adelaide Strikers - as the Melbourne Stars failed to qualify for the knockouts.

In the Abu Dhabi T10, however, Fletcher has been a consistent performer. He amassed 186 runs at a strike rate of 195.78 in the previous edition of the tournament to finish as the fifth-highest run-getter, and can be expected to produce similar numbers this time around as well.

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#4 Tom Banton (Qalandars)

Tom Banton was recently released by the Kolkata Knight Riders

Another player who excelled in the last edition of the Abu Dhabi T10, Tom Banton managed 162 runs in just 5 innings at a strike rate of 200 back in 2019/20. The Englishman withdrew from the Big Bash League citing bubble fatigue, and should come into this tournament well rested.

Banton was recently released by his Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, and he'll want to make an impression ahead of the auction next month. He will play alongside T20 veterans like Shahid Afridi, Ben Dunk and Chris Jordan, and should have ample opportunities to set his poor form straight.

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#3 Evin Lewis (Delhi Bulls)

Evin Lewis has hit a rough patch of late

Evin Lewis was on the cusp of becoming a fixture in all T20 franchise tournaments around the world, but his inconsistency has let him down of late. The southpaw hasn't been seen in action since the Caribbean Premier League back in September 2020, and he will be itching to get back amongst the runs.

Lewis will play under countryman Dwayne Bravo at the Delhi Bulls, with players like Mohammad Nabi and Sherfane Rutherford for company. The T10 format might just be what the 29-year-old needs to revive his stuttering career. Lewis is certainly one to keep an eye on in the Abu Dhabi T10 2021.

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#2 Nicholas Pooran (Northern Warriors)

Pooran will captain the Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10 2021

Nicholas Pooran made a splash on his Big Bash League debut for the Melbourne Stars as he smashed 8 sixes in a rapid 65. Although his form fell off after the innings, he comes into the Abu Dhabi T10 2021 with sufficient match practice under his belt.

Pooran will captain the Northern Warriors in the tournament, and leadership can be expected to elevate his game by a couple of notches at least. Capable of single-handedly taking the game away from the opposition, the left-hander will have all eyes on him in the Abu Dhabi T10 2021.

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#1 Chris Gayle (Team Abu Dhabi)

All eyes will be on Chris Gayle, who will look to set the Abu Dhabi T10 on fire

Chris Gayle needs no introduction. The Universe Boss turned the Kings XI Punjab's struggling Indian Premier League campaign around and nearly dragged them to a playoff spot.

Now, Gayle will be seen in action in the T10 format, and he has already promised fans a large dose of "cricket entertainment". He will play for Team Abu Dhabi alongside the likes of Luke Wright, Chris Morris and Hayden Walsh Jr.