2016 T20 World Cup: Top 5 Players to Watch

There’s no doubt that T20 cricket is a game for the fans. People flock to venues around the world to watch sixes fly and stumps shatter. It was designed that way, and it has ignited a whole new generation of cricket fans.

This newest cricket format has also given birth to a new form of cricketers – entertainers. From David Warner to Glenn Maxwell, from Chris Gayle to AB de Villiers, T20 is the perfect platform to showcase the talents of these amazing athletes. So which stars will be the ones to watch in the upcoming T20 World Cup? Here’s our top five players:

Rohit Sharma

A cricketing paradox in reality, Rohit divides the cricketing fraternity in two. One would see him as a dynamic player while the other half would see him as a player with huge potential.

Whichever way you choose to see him, Rohit has been in great form for the past year or so. Inconsistencies and low scores are a thing of past as he successfully scripted India’s ascendancy in shorter formats. A great chance to be the tournament’s leading batsman and his penchant for big scores and success in IPL makes him a prime candidate to watch.

Top tournament batsman odds: $9.00 at William Hill

Chris Gayle

The superstar of franchise cricket, Gayle is one of the biggest crowd pleasers wherever he plays. He is adored in India, with IPL having already witnessed his destructive play.

With West Indies missing some of its T20 regulars, Gayle will be required to play a massive role. An omnipresent threat in this format, Gayle could turn the West Indies into a dark horse for the tournament.

And yeah, just forget his off-the-field issues. We don’t want any more don’t blush baby comments, do we?

Top tournament batsman odds: $15 at William Hill

David Warner

David Warner is another aggressive player who has managed to channel his aggression brilliantly over the past six months. Warner may move into a new role in the middle order for Australia and his new-found stability and consistency could benefit Steve Smith.

With his ability to shift gears any time, Warner is dangerous and will draw a lot from his IPL experiences. With question marks on the ability of this Aussie team to tackle spinners, Warner’s role will be all the more vital.

Did we mention that Australia has never won this tournament? That stat could be history if Warner starts his carnage.

Top tournament batsman odds: $13 at William Hill

Ravichandran Ashwin

If this list has to include a bowler, it is Ravi Ashwin! With a bag of tricks and confidence to summon them anytime of the game, Ashwin is one of the first bowlers to use T20 as a launch pad for his career.

The Indian in conditions suit him perfectly, Ashwin could prove too hot to handle for any batsmen in the tournament.

Top tournament bowler odds: $11 at William Hill

AB de Villiers

A huge crowd puller in this part of the world, AB is another IPL superstar and probably the biggest foreign draw card. With a nimble technique that camouflages into the required scenarios, this is one player whom you wouldn’t want to miss while batting.

He has an ability to make fielding look simple, watch out for his stupendous dives in the covers.

Top tournament batsman odds: $11 at William Hill