5 Indian Players Who Should Be Playing World T20 Franchise Cricket

Year after year, T20 cricket just keeps getting bigger and bigger. A lot of people in the game have been worried about the rise of T20 cricket. It’s starting to take over the game. Soon Test cricket and ODI cricket will be a thing of the past they say. This ongoing series between India and England has shown that Test cricket is still alive and kicking. It’s shown that Test cricket played between two top nations can be an enthralling spectacle, full of twists and turns. You just don’t get that in any other format.

But the fact remains that T20 is still mightily poplar. The condensed version has reached new heights, mainly due to the IPL. The IPL just keeps getting bigger and better year after year, attracting the world’s top cricketing stars. Now, we’ve seen the rise of franchise T20 cricket, global domestic leagues that keep popping up all over the world. It’s little wonder why some players are shunning Test cricket and are putting all their focus into making it big in the shorter format. It’s wise in terms of earning potential.

Another great thing about the IPL is that it’s done wonders for world cricket relations. You have the best mixing with Indian talent. We’ve also seen a lot of great Indian players hit the big time because of the IPL. Some have gone on to represent their country. But it’s in the IPL and on the Indian domestic circuit where they made names for themselves.

But the BCCI want to keep these star players playing in India. Ever wondered why we don’t see top Indian T20 talent playing in the Big Bash, the CPL or one of the many other leagues around the world? Because the BCCI doesn’t allow them to do so. It’s about one-way traffic, the BCCI wanting to keep the IPL in a league of its own with top-tier Indian talent.

And due to the pay cheques being given to these players, they don’t really feel the need to go elsewhere anyway. But just imagine that they were allowed to play in these global leagues for a sec. Wouldn’t world cricket be all the better for it? Of course, those involved with the Indian team should keep national duties as being their priority. But what about those players on the fringes, or those the world only sees during the IPL?

Shouldn’t they be allowed to expand their horizons? Indian cricket will be all the better for it. Whether it ever happens or not and these restrictions are lifted, only time will tell. For the moment, we can dream, and think about what it’d be like if saw top Indian T20 cricketers playing T20 franchise cricket around the globe.

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#5 Yusuf Pathan

When he’s on song, Yusuf Pathan is one of the most destructive players in T20 cricket. He can win the game off his own bat in a matter of overs. Yusuf made a name for himself in the IPL with some destructive performances.

He’s singlehandedly won games for each of his franchises, Rajasthan Royals, KKR and most recently Sunrisers Hyderabad. Who can forget him taking one of the world’s best bowlers, Dale Steyn, to the cleaners?

He has played for India, but that was some time ago. At the age of 35, his career’s winding to a close. Perhaps he could close out his career playing in the world T20 leagues.

#4 Robin Uthappa

Chennai Super Kings v Royal Challengers Bangalore - IPL T20

Robin Uthappa is one of the most loved players on the Indian domestic circuit. He’s shone for years for Karnataka at domestic level. But it’s the IPL where he’s received plenty of plaudits. He’s now an integral part of the KKR camp.

At the age of 32, it’s going to be tough to force himself back into the Indian side. He’s attractive, hard-hitting, and can play in any position. He can keep wicket too. Robin would be a target for many teams should he be allowed to play in worldwide leagues.

Different conditions, playing with different teams, could help him temper his strokeplay too. A fit and firing Robin Uthappa can only be a good thing for India.

#3 Stuart Binny

Australia v India - ICC CWC Warm Up Match

Stuart Binny is a handy allrounder who would be a strong acquisition for any team. He’s had chances to prove his worth in the Indian setup. But he’s failed to make an impact. However, his game’s perfectly suited for the T20 format. He’s a hard hitter in the middle order and can chip in with crucial wickets with his medium-fast bowling.

He’s currently applying his trade in the KPL as captain of the Belagavi Panthers. He looks like becoming a T20 specialist. If that’s the case, his playing opportunities shouldn’t be limited to just India.

#2 Yuvraj Singh

ICC Champions Trophy Final Practice

It’s true that Virat Kohli and those at the helm of the Indian side would love it if Yuvraj could force his way back into the team. He’s had chances. But his wayward form has cost him. He’s now not even on the fringes of the team. It seems as if his glittering career at international level has come to an end.

But everyone in the world of cricket knows what Yuvraj is capable of. He’s one of the most destructive T20 batsmen on the planet. He’s about to become 37. Perhaps he can blast off in T20 leagues and retire with a bang.

#1 MS Dhoni

England v India - 3rd ODI: Royal London One-Day Series

MS Dhoni needs no introduction. He’s India’s most successful captain. His achievements when donning the blue shirt are just extraordinary. He’s still very much a part of the nation’s plans in the shorter formats of the game. It’s thought he’ll call it quits after the World Cup in England next year.

MS Dhoni is also mightily successful when it comes to franchise cricket. He’s the heart and soul of the CSK team in the IPL. But recently, his form’s begun to wobble a bit. India would want him in prime form for his final send-off at the World Cup. He’s not part of the Test team. While the Test team are going about their business, the CPL is ongoing, as is the English domestic T20 competition. He could hit himself back into form.