Rising Stars of T20I cricket
-Anirudha R Nijagal
Fun, Thrill, Excitement and Entertainment. These words can be used to explain T20 Cricket in short. People have mixed opinions about this format worldwide. Some feel T20 format is playing a major role in the extinction of the Traditional format – Test Cricket, while some others feel T20 cricket has changed the dimension in which cricket is seen and is attracting audience from beyond boundaries.
T20 cricket in the international level kicked off to a start in 2004-2005. But the real elevation to the format was gained when ICC gave importance to the format by introducing ICC Tournaments to be played in T20 format.
The masterstroke for the promotion of T20 format was due. But in 2008, the BCCI introduced the Indian Premiere League. The introduction of IPL was the start of a new era for the T20 format. The IPL started attracting huge crowds due to the freshness in the way cricket was played and the unique idea of having players from different countries playing for the same team. It was the first time the huge population of India witnessed franchise cricket culture. People’s love for cricket in the country became available for the world to see and witnessing the energy in the stadiums in India became a fantasy for people in other countries.
Every generation will be blessed with a superstar who carries responsibility on their shoulders to take the level of the game further. Game keeps on evolving and new generational talents coming in will be well equipped to tackle the evolved game better than the seniors with experience. Batting is a fantasy these days. A kid who dreams to play cricket manifests himself holding the bat and smashing each ball for sixers. The mentality and culture of instilling proper technique and traditional batting aesthetics of Test cricket in the minds of kids are diminishing.
The world has already taken notice of the rising stars who will most probably rule T20 cricket in the future.
1. Abhishek Sharma from India
The free-flowing left-handed batter from Punjab has already stamped his authority. His performance at the top for Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise in the 2024 IPL has attracted the eyes of various cricket pundits across the world. His six hitting ability has been one of his strengths. Abhishek also has got good company for his guidance in Yuvraj Singh. In 2024 IPL, Abhishek got to open with Travis Head, the left-handed giant of batting from Australia. Yuvraj Singh was confident of the youngster coming up the ranks and be the next big thing in Indian T20 Cricket. Abhishek Sharma’s gameplay looks promising and it is necessary for the BCCI to look after players of his caliber and nurture them for the future. India is blessed with many of such promising talents and so it becomes really hard for the selectors to choose one.
2. Matheesha Pathirana from Sri Lanka
IPL provides the assurance of quality of cricket. Out of many leagues that are conducted across the world in many cricket playing nations, IPL stands out as the most viewed and one of the most important leagues. Players are automatically judged based on their performance in IPL even for the selection in their national teams lately. Matheesha Pathirana has proved his mettle playing for the franchise Chennai Super Kings. His death bowling has stolen hearts of many ex-cricketers and his Malinga-squee action has added advantage to being a death bowler. Hailing from the same nation as his senior pro, the legend Lasith Malinga, Matheesha Pathirana has made name for himself in the IPL. He credits MS Dhoni for his overall improvement in bowling. Matheesha Pathirana looks a strong prospect for the future. The cricketing world hopes that one day he brings laurels for his country with his talent.
3. Jake Fraser-McGurk from Australia
The cricketing world speaks so highly of him. Undoubtedly, he is the next big thing in Australian Cricket. He’s got the proper game required for T20 Cricket. His Six hitting ability is second to none. The dynamic right-handed batter took over the opening position that was ruled by the legend David Warner for years. They were big shoes to fill for Jake Fraser-McGurk, but he almost made it feel like the Australians did not notice the void. His stint with the Delhi Capitals was enough to prove that he belongs there.
The quality of the youngsters coming in and proving themselves at the highest level has increased. The above are the three rising stars who have probably already scripted their names for the future.
