Most destructive T20 XI of all-time

The T20 format was originated in England and spread like wildfire to all parts of the world. With Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League and other such tournaments, T20 has gained much prominence. It has become a source of entertainment, full of glitz and glamour. The cheerleaders, loud music, and spider-cams have added to the razzmatazz.

A cricket tour is incomplete without a few T20 matches. After almost 15 years of its existence, several players have mastered the art of playing T20, with both bat and ball. Batsmen have devised new shots, and techniques to counter bowling attacks. Bowlers have picked up a few tricks like slower-one to bowl them out.

I have discussed the most destructive T20 XI of all time, based on their technique, runs scored and other such factors.

---

#1 Brendon McCullum

New Zealand v Australia - 1st ODI

The former Kiwi player was one of the most destructive openers of all-time. He could play the ramp shot and reverse sweep to perfection. McCullum played 71 T20I matches and scored 2140 runs at an average of 35.66.

#2 Chris Gayle

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Jamaica Tallawahs - 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Tournament Play-Off 2

The left-handed batsman from West Indies is widely regarded as the best batsman of T20 format. His ability to hit sixes anywhere in the park against seamers and spin bowlers puts him miles ahead of other batsmen. Gayle has scored 1607 T20I runs in 56 matches at an average of 33.47. Along with Yuvraj Singh, he holds the record of hitting the fastest half-century in 12 balls.

#3 Rohit Sharma

Australia v India - Game 3

Rohit Sharma has a proper technique and sound temperament to excel in the T20 format. He has an amazing ability to play proper cricket shots and score heavily. Sharma has scored three centuries and 15 half-centuries in T20Is and has made 2086 runs at an average of 32.59.

#4 Virat Kohli

India v Pakistan - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

He is a living legend who has carved his name in the annals of cricket history. Kohli is the epitome of aggressiveness and consistency. Some regard him as the Bradman of T20 format.

His ability to hit sixes and fours and win the game is outstanding. In T20Is, he has played 62 matches and scored 2102 runs at an average of 48.88, which is phenomenal by any standard.

#5 AB de Villiers

South Africa v West Indies - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

AB de Villiers was ruthless and destructive in his batting approach. He could play orthodox and unorthodox cricket with aplomb. De Villiers had scored 6649 runs at a strike rate of 147.91. He had the ability to play long innings which reflects in his record of three centuries and 45 half-centuries.

#6 M.S. Dhoni

India v West Indies - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

MS Dhoni is gentle and kind, but his batting display in the T20 format reveals a different story. He averages 37.17 in T20Is with 1487 runs. Dhoni is known for finishing the match single-handedly and has won several matches for his team with his explosive batting.

#7 Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh v Ireland: Group B - 2011 ICC World Cup

Shakib is an all-rounder with an amazing ability to play any bowling attack. With the ball, he is economical and crafty. In T20Is, he has scored 1368 runs at an average of 22.4 and taken 80 wickets in 68 matches.

#8 Rashid Khan

BBL - Strikers v Heat

He has gained a superstar status with his leg spin and googly. He plays for Afghanistan and has claimed 64 wickets in 35 T20I matches with 5/3 being his best.

#9 Dale Steyn

South Africa v Sri Lanka: Quarter Final - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

Steyn is fast and menacing with his bowling approach. He has played 42 matches and taken 58 wickets at an average of 17.39. His toe-crushing yorkers and in-swingers are breath-taking to watch.

#10 Lasith Malinga

Australia v Sri Lanka - Commonwealth Bank Series

Lasith Malinga has a sling arm action which makes him a specialist death bowler. He is famous for slow ball yorkers. Malinga has taken 90 T20I wickets in 68 matches at an average of 19.77.

#11 Mitchell Johnson

1st Test - Australia v West Indies: Day 3

Mitchell Johnson is aggressive with his bowling, with 38 T20I wickets at an economy rate of 7.29. His ability bowl in-swing and out-swing makes him one of the most deadly bowlers in the T20 format.