a

Dinesh Karthik and the Art of Self Correction

Hamming Code

Imagine it is the 1940s. You are working at Bell Labs, one of the world’s premier research laboratories, an abode of inventions. Computers are at the beginning of their evolution, and programming still occurs on punched cards.

You work day and night in the week, and guess what? One error in the code and the program stops. Hard work down the drain. On the bright side, the machine detects and warns you that there is an error.

So as a brilliant scientist who has been a part of the Manhattan Project, what do you do? You work nights & weekends and develop an algorithm so that the machine can itself correct the errors, without the need for human intervention.

The year is 1950. You have published this paper and revolutionized computer science & information theory.

Your name is Hamming, Richard Hamming. (For more on Hamming codes, watch this beautiful video).

Table of Contents

  1. Hamming Code
  2. Dinesh Karthik
  3. Dinesh Karthik’s Initialization
    1. Under-19 Days
    2. International Debut
  4. When One Door Closes, Another Opens
  5. Error Correction Part I: Karthik’s Golden Year in Test Cricket
  6. Too Many Bugs To Fix
  7. Error Correction Part II: Dinesh Karthik, Journey To The Center Again
  8. Self-Calibration feat Abhishek Nayar
    1. A Nervous Bundle of Energy
  9. Errors Correction III – Consistency in Domestic Cricket
  10. Accuracy Improvement – Dinesh Karthik, The Finisher
  11. Nidahas Trophy & the Internet Superstar
    1. The Night of the Final
  12. The Comeback Ends & The 2019 Cricket World Cup
  13. Is There Another Comeback On The Horizon?
  14. Commentary Stint and The T-Shirt Collection
  15. Karthik’s Legacy: Did he underachieve or overachieve?
  16. The Road Less Traveled By
  17. What Can We Learn From Dinesh Karthik?
  18. The Stats
    1. IPL & Dinesh Karthik’s Career In a Nutshell
  19. Cricket Heroes

Dinesh Karthik

Now fast forward to the 2004. You are playing for the Indian national cricket team, one of the world’s premier cricketing nations, an abode of talent. Wicketkeeper batters are at the beginning of their evolution, and finishing limited over games is still at its infancy.

You work day and night on tours, and guess what? One poor series, and the selectors drop you. Hard work down the drain. On the bright side, selectors warn you that you have to play a different role in order to come back.

So as a budding young cricketer who has been a part of the 2004 U-19 World Cup, what do you do? You practice day in and day out, improve your technical faults, and comeback as a successful opener in swinging conditions to help India win a series in England in 2007.

A few months go by. Inconsistency creeps in. Dropped.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

The year is 2021. You have claimed your fame to glory in that Nidahas Trophy final and revolutionized the role of a finisher.

Your name is Karthik, Dinesh Karthik.

Dinesh Karthik’s story is not in the career averages or amount of runs scored. Neither is it in number of comebacks. It is in the way the comebacks were constructed. Over the years, inconsistency has decreased, reassurance has increased, and in his own words, he has managed to stay ‘relevant.’

In simple terms, he has perfected the art of self-correction.

Dinesh Karthik’s Initialization

Algorithms have improved vastly since the Hamming code days. Yet, there are three main components of a self-correcting algorithm: Initialization, self-calibration, and error correction.

Under-19 Days

On the back of good domestic form, Dinesh Karthik was selected for the 2004 U-19 World Cup. This team included future Indian nationals in Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, and RP Singh. Following a decent domestic and India A season, he found himself in the national reckoning alongside Parthiv Patel as India were trying to find a permanent replacement to makeshift keeper in Rahul Dravid.

International Debut

On September 4, 2004, he made an immediate impact as a keeper in his ODI debut, inflicting a fabulous diving stumping to Michael Vaughan, being part of the famous Mohammad Kaif run-out, and taking a catch.

He would not bat in an ODI for another two years, but was picked for Tests against Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe. After having a top score of only 46 in his first six Tests, he finally made a mark scoring 93 in the second innings against Pakistan. However, a loss of form and Dhoni’s memorable 148 at #3 in that Pakistan ODI series meant Karthik was briefly dropped from the Test side and traveled only as a reserve keeper for the next year.

Embed from Getty Images

When One Door Closes, Another Opens

One of the interesting traits of Karthik’s unusual career has been that when he is dropped in Tests, he finds a place in ODIs and vice versa. Later in his career, he was recalled in ODI & Test cricket based on his T20 form.

Case and point is 2006. Karthik enjoyed a good run in the limited overs although he was out of the Test side.

Did you know he was India’s first T20I player of the match winner? Against South Africa, he marshalled the chase with a 31* not take India home in a low scoring chase of 127. Soon after, an ODI player of the performance against West Indies meant that he found a place in both the 2007 ODI and T20I World Cups.

Although he would not get a game in the ODI World Cup, he played as a pure batter in the inaugural T20 World Cup with Dhoni behind the stumps. Low scores followed in the T20 World Cup, but he provided India with a bit of magic in the semi-final—a one handed diving catch to dismiss Graeme Smith.

Nasser Hussain on commentary summed up Dinesh Karthik’s entire career accurately in one sentence

“They say Dinesh Karthik is the two extremes—he drops dollies and he takes some spectacular catches.”

Here are some of his other catches: IPL 2019 running catch, IPL 2020 Ben Stokes flying catch.

Error Correction Part I: Karthik’s Golden Year in Test Cricket

The year 2007 was DK’s best time in Test cricket.

By this time, it was clear that he could not make the XI based on his keeping skills alone. The Fab 4’s presence meant that the middle order was crowded. However, Sehwag & Gambhir had been dropped, which meant there was a slight opening.

Enter Dinesh Karthik 2.0—the opener. With Wasim Jaffer, he formed a brief yet formidable partnership.

In the third Test at Cape Town, the Jaffer-Karthik experiment paid dividend with a 153-opening partnership in the first innings. Karthik scored 63 as an opener and followed it up with 38* at #7.

In the tour of Bangladesh, he was given a permanent opening spot and returned with scores of 56, 22, and 129, his only Test century. Then, came India’s tour of England. Despite not scoring a hundred, scores of 60, 77, & 91 meant that he ended up as India’s highest Test scorer—263 runs, 3 fifties, 518 balls faced to go along Jaffer’s 409 balls, which helped India successfully dent the new ball.

Once again, a commentator did justice to Karthik’s second phase of his career.

“It’s good story Dinesh Karthik. He began life as a dashing middle order batsman and wicketkeeper, and he has been transformed really into an opening batsman of substance.”

India historically won 1-0, India’s first victory on English soil in 21 years (a decade of horror shows the significance of that series victory).

Embed from Getty Images

Too Many Bugs To Fix

Pushed back to the middle order after just 2 more Tests, he could only muster 157 runs in 11 innings with a best of 52 against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand. He would get another opportunity in Tests in 2010 before being dropped for another eight years.

On his come back against Afghanistan’s inaugural Test in 2018, he himself said in a press conference that in his earlier stint in Test cricket,

“I guess I wasn’t good enough before… I was not consistent enough.”

When he was out of favor in Tests in 2008, he did receive several opportunities in ODIs, scoring a few middling scores and featuring in India’s 2009 Champions Trophy squad. His best ODI innings of 79 runs came in 2010 with a 196-run partnership with Sachin Tendulkar during his historic double century.

14 innings later, with only 1 50+ score & 2 ducks, he was dropped—this time for three years.

Error Correction Part II: Dinesh Karthik, Journey To The Center Again

More competition, more errors, longer time to fix. Enter Dinesh Karthik 3.0—the middle order batter.

It took a 3-year hiatus before Karthik stormed back. In IPL 2013 as the #3 batter for Mumbai Indians, he amassed 510 runs, only behind Rohit Sharma for MI. The innings where his highest score that season of 86 was possibly his best IPL innings (so far).

This performance earned him a ticket on the 2013 Champions Trophy and his best ‘List A’ moment came in the warm-up games, when he scored two back to back centuries, scoring 106* & 146* batting at #6. This tournament is fondly remembered for the beginning of the Shikhar Dhawan-Rohit Sharma opening partnership, which meant Karthik did not get much of a chance with 51* against West Indies his best knock.

A few months later, India failed to qualify for the Asia Cup finals and Karthik’s 21* vs Afghanistan would be his final innings for yet another 3 years.

Embed from Getty Images

Self-Calibration feat Abhishek Nayar

Let us take a slight detour like his career took around 2014.

What is your favorite part about watching Dinesh Karthik? For me, it has always been his unconventional demeanor, starting from his batting routine. The moment he arrives at the crease, it is pure theater. Walking in with urgency, rolling the gloves around, dancing from side to side, taking guard, moving his helmet, meditating on the side. Excitement and apprehension at the same time.

As a keeper he is always chirping and speaking to the bowler, most famously with his partnership in KKR with Varun Chakravarthy or with R Ashwin in Team India.

But surely, so much energy must definitely be a burden. A volcano ready to erupt if the energy is not channeled properly.

A Nervous Bundle of Energy

In order to come back to the Indian national side, DK needed to recalibrate.

In a Breakfast With Champions interview with Gaurav Kapur, he described the time with Abhishek Nayar as a ‘mental bootcamp.’ 40-lap swimming, 45-minute uphill runs, sweeping the house, visualizing match scenarios, and extreme fitness training pushed DK out of his comfort zone. He reflected that

“When you push yourself out of your comfort zone when nobody is watching you and there is no glory attached to it and you just do it quietly because somewhere in life you want to achieve something, overall in time it does help you.”

This experience added an extra dimension to DK’s wide array of skills. He was always a good player of spin, but once he was in a good head space post-Nayar, he literally reinvented his batting—the sweeps, laps, reverse sweeps, and swivel across the crease came with increased frequency.

Errors Correction III – Consistency in Domestic Cricket

While his 2013 comeback was largely on the backs of the IPL, the 2017 comeback was due to the weight of runs in domestic trophy. He was among the runs in Ranji Trophy and has been consistent in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for the past five years.

At the peak of his batting powers, DK was hitting the ball as nicely as anybody at that time. Sanjay Manjrekar stated that at that time, Dinesh Karthik and Hardik Pandya were the only two Indian batters who could time the ball from ball one.

By this time, the pattern was set. Another Champions Trophy, yet another come back. Although he did not make the XI, in the next few matches after the trophy he scored 50*, 48, 37, 64* in consecutive games across ODIs & T20Is. It was a signal that he had added consistency to his arsenal.

Accuracy Improvement – Dinesh Karthik, The Finisher

After grinding it out in domestic cricket and becoming a much more calm and mature individual, it was time for Dinesh Karthik 4.0 to enter—Dinesh Karthik, the finisher.

From after the 2017 Champions to before the 2019 Cricket World Cup, DK slowly grew into the finisher role, remaining not-out 20 times out of the 35 ODIs or T20Is he played in.

Embed from Getty Images

Nidahas Trophy & the Internet Superstar

After 14 years of sharpening his skills, beast mode was finally unlocked in the Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka.

Short & sweet contributions in every game: 13* (6), 2* (2), 39* (25), 2* (2), and 29* (8). He could not be dismissed throughout the series.

The final was a night to remember. With Mustafizur’s wicket maiden in the 18th and a struggling Vijay Shankar at the other end, hope was all but lost.

The Night of the Final

Then comes in Dinesh Karthik. Rubel Hossain steams in and attempts a yorker. DK sits back and hits it over a long on for six. There is still life left in the game. Then came a heave for four and another one for six! Colombo crowd is going wild.

Couple of balls later, Karthik moves around crease and scoops it over fine leg—22 run over.

Final over, DK off strike, India need 12.

Wide, dot, 1,1, 4 (Shankar), Out. Five runs, one ball, one man. Over pitched delivery outside the off stump, DK times it with a full follow through. FLAT SIX. INDIA WIN! Captain Rohit Sharma said that DK was a bit upset being moved to #7, but he managed to channel the anger into good effect.

Given that India have not won a major ICC trophy since 2013, this memorable win stands at a high place for Indian fans. With 120 million and 211 million views for the 19th and 20th over respectively, this is easily the most watched cricket video (and possibly any sports video). Relive those moments below.

The Comeback Ends & The 2019 Cricket World Cup

He continued his Nidahas Trophy form in IPL 2018 with the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise, scoring 498 runs at 49.80 with a strike rate of 147.77.

However selection across formats would come back to haunt him. He would make another comeback in Test cricket, but scores of 4, 0, 20, 1, 0 would be the end of his Test career. He would be in and out of the limited overs side, sometimes batting at #4 in Asia Cup ODIS, and sometimes almost finishing T20Is in New Zealand.

A score of 97* in IPL 2019 followed as he narrowly made the cut in the World Cup squad.

The Russian Roulette selection among Dinesh Karthik, Kedhar Jadhav, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant, Vijay Shankar, and most infamously, Ambati Rayudu probably hurt all five and India in the 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final. Surprisingly promoted to No. 5, he tried to stem the fall of wickets before Jimmy Neesham’s brilliant catch ended his ODI career.

Is There Another Comeback On The Horizon?

He was one of the casualties of India’s post-tournament analysis, even dropped from the T20I side, where he had reasonable success.

Post-COVID, he had a tough time at the 2020 IPL, averaging only 14.08, his second worst season. Although he took KKR to a playoff spot in 2018, he would relieve captaincy duties to Eoin Morgan for the remainder of 2020 and 2021.

Since then, he has been vocal about fighting for a place in one of the T20 World Cups in the next two years purely as a finisher. Still the best finisher in India alongside Ravindra Jadeja & Hardik Pandya, the real question is, will we see DK 5.0?

Commentary Stint and The T-Shirt Collection

Even though we do not know his cricketing career will pan out, there is already a brief glimpse into the future.

He has become a social media celebrity with his Sky Sports stint providing apt analysis, providing daily weather updates, and most famously, showing the world his enviable T-shirt collection.

Here are his interviews with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Karthik’s Legacy: Did he underachieve or overachieve?

Representing your nation in one international tournament is is an honor. In a topsy-turvy career, Karthik has somehow managed to be a part of the 2007 ODI World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup, 2009 Champions Trophy, 2013 Champions Trophy, 2017 Champions Trophy, and the 2019 ODI World Cup. Sprinkle a couple of Asia Cups in there as well.

There are two school of thoughts on Dinesh Karthik’s career. Did he fulfill his potential? Maybe. Maybe not.

From a glass half empty perspective, one can observe that as a gifted batter and a giant in domestic cricket, he could not make most of his opportunities and cement a place in the Indian national team. On the other hand, he never got an extended run in one format at a time, constantly playing in different roles and formats. Hence, the fact that we are still talking about him after 17 years is still an achievement.

DK’s career consisted of memorable high peaks in a relatively plateau of a career. Opening in England, twin List A tons in Champions Trophy warm ups, winning an IPL Trophy with Mumbai Indians and T20I World Cup in 2007, stumpings and catches galore, and giving fans the Nidahas Trophy Final to cherish, he has made his mark.

In a press conference, Karthik himself says

“Even if I don’t get the opportunity to play sport at the highest level, I want to be content with the fact that I have given it everything I have had. Not only on the field, but off the field.”

The Road Less Traveled By

Robert Frost wrote in his famous poem The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

When India needed a wicketkeeper, Dinesh Karthik was a wicketkeeper. India needed an overseas opener, in came DK, the opener. When they needed a #4, he became a #4. Finally, when all the spots were filled, he became a specialist finisher.

Although he was an anomaly in the previous era, current Indian wicketkeepers might keep an eye on his career very carefully. It is likely that not all of KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, KS Bharat will get a constant run. So they should be prepared to be dropped and come back stronger, maybe with a different role.

Dinesh Karthik’s career might not have gone according to the original plan but his journey has been interesting nevertheless. He modified his approach, adapted to the circumstances, and always strived to improve his individual game.

What Can We Learn From Dinesh Karthik?

Numerous players were dropped at an early age and could never find a way to come back. Others could manage to comeback only briefly because they were pigeonholed to a single role. Karthik frequently took the road less traveled by, refined his old skills, while learning new ones at the go.

When he arrived in the international arena, he was a good player who had the potential to excel in three formats and don several roles. After years of repetitive self correction and recalibration, he has now developed his own unique niche—overs 16 to 20 as a T20 finisher, a position where he is the best. Power-hitters like Pollard, Russell, and Pandya might be better finishers in general but not many have the match awareness and can play the field as Karthik does in those end overs.

So what can we learn from Dinesh Karthik? Always be self-aware, prepare for the worst, focus on the process, wear nice shirts, be yourself, adapt to the surroundings, be ready for the opportunity, and provide energy to others around you.

I would love to finish this article with a bang, but what can I say—The finisher is not yet finished.

The Stats

Test: 26 matches, 1025 runs, 25.00 average, best of 129, 100s/50s – 1/7, 57 catches, 6 stumpings

ODI: 94 matches, 1752 runs, 30.20 average, best of 79, 50s-9, 64 catches, 7 stumpings

T20I: 32 matches, 399 runs, 33.25 average, 143.52 SR, best of 48, 14 catches, 5 stumpings

T20: 321 matches, 6221 runs, 27.40 average, 133.55 SR, best of 97*, 193 catches, 61 stumpings

IPL & Dinesh Karthik’s Career In a Nutshell

  • 2004: ODI, Test debuts
  • 2004-05: Tests only
  • 2006: T20I debut, ODIs only
  • 2007: ODI World Cup, Test opener, T20I World Cup (winner), Syed Mushtaq Ali winners (captain)
  • 2008: 1 T20I, 3 Tests only, Delhi Daredevils
  • 2009-2010: Mostly ODIs, some T20Is, 1 Test, Delhi Daredevils
  • 2011: Kings XI Punjab
  • 2012: Mumbai Indians
  • 2013: ODIs only, Champions Trophy winner, Mumbai Indians (winners)
  • 2014: ODIs only, Delhi Daredevils
  • 2015: Royal Challengers Bangalore
  • 2016: Gujarat Lions
  • 2017: Champions Trophy, ODIs, Gujarat Lions
  • 2018: T20Is, Nidahas Trophy, Test recall, ODI #4 battle, Kolkata Knight Riders (captain)
  • 2019: T20Is, ODIs, ODI World Cup, dropped, Kolkata Knight Riders (captain)
  • 2020: Kolkata Knight Riders (captain, 7 matches)
  • 2021: Syed Mushtaq Ali winners (captain), Kolkata Knight Riders

Although he has had good time with his IPL franchises, his wish is to end his career with CSK. With an interview with Harsha Bhogle, he said

“The lead up to the [2008 auctions], Dinesh Karthik the person was convinced the best player from Tamil Nadu, the biggest name from Tamil Nadu playing for the country…definitely CSK were going to pick me. The question was whether they were going to make me captain or not….It was the biggest dagger to my heart. It’s been 13 years and I am still waiting for that elusive call from CSK”

Embed from Getty Images

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 10/01/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand—Asia Cup is Back!

Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads analysis time.

With India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in this group already set, this is a mini Asia Cup battle. In the preliminary qualification round, if Sri Lanka is ranked 2 in Group A and if Bangladesh tops Group B, we might see a potential 5/6 Asian teams!

This might not be named the Group of Death from the outside, but I think this group will be closer than it appears. Here is our team-by-team analysis—Most Balanced, Surprise Exclusions, In-Form Inclusions and Predictions!

Also Read:

T20 World Cup Groups

In the mini-qualifier group, there are two groups (Group A & B) of 4 teams each, top 2 of which will go in the main round (Group 1 and 2).

Group A has teams Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, and Sri Lanka, while Group B has teams Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland.

Group 2
Afghanistan
India
New Zealand
Pakistan
A2
B1
T20 World Cup 2021: Group 2 Table

The other group, Group 2, will have Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies.

Afghanistan T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Asghar AfghanMohammad NabiGulbadin NaibRahmanullah GurbazSharafuddin AshrafHamid Hassan
Usman GhaniRashid KhanMohammad ShahzadMujeeb Ur RahmanKarim Janat
Hashmatullah ShahidiQais AhmedNaveen Ul-Haq
Najibullah ZadranDawlat Zadran
Hazratullah ZazaiShapoor Zadran
Afsar ZazaiFareed Ahmad
Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: Afghanistan

Afghanistan Probable XI

  1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), 3. Usman Ghani, 4. Asghar Afghan, 5. Mohammad Nabi (C), 6. Najibullah Zadran, 7. Gulbadin Naib/Karim Janat, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10. Naveen Ul-Haq, 11. Qais Ahmed
  • Average Age: 28
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Ibrahim Zadran, Amir Hamza, Fazalhaq Farooqi
  • Surprise Inclusions: Hamid Hassan, Mohammad Shahzad, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran
  • Watch Out For: The Spinners—Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Qais Ahmed

  • Recent Result: Afghanistan won 3-0 Vs Zimbabwe in UAE
  • Prediction: Rank 3rd in Group 2. In spin conditions, if their batters can put up a decent score, expect Afghanistan to surprise a few of the big teams.

Does Afghanistan Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

Another World Cup. Another captaincy change right before the World Cup for Afghanistan. Rashid Khan had received the captaincy baton from Asghar Afghan, but he has resigned on the eve on the World Cup since he was not consulted for the WC squad. Add to that the current political situation, and Afghanistan’s entry in the WC is not even guaranteed.

Iconic trio Hamid Hassan, Mohammad Shahzad, and Shapoor Zadran return after years of international hiatus. Fitness will be the key concern, but Afghanistan have a good mix of youth and experience. They are also guaranteed 5 games in the main draw.

India T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Virat KohliRavindra JadejaHardik PandyaKL RahulRahul ChaharJasprit Bumrah
Rohit SharmaAxar PatelRishabh PantVarun ChakravarthyBhuvneshwar Kumar
Suryakumar YadavRavichandran AshwinIshan KishanMohammad Shami
Shreyas IyerShardul ThakurDeepak Chahar
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: India

Probable XI

  1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Virat Kohli (C), 3. KL Rahul/Ishan Kishan, 4. Suryakumar Yadav, 5. Rishabh Pant, 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Ravichandran Ashwin, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Varun Chakravarthy
  • Average Age: 29
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur (reserves), Washington Sundar (injured), Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill, Natarajan, Khaleel Ahmed, Manish Pandey, Sanju Samson, Dinesh Karthik. If you want the list of all 75 players which form Indian cricket team’s depth, read this.
  • Surprise Inclusions: R Ashwin, Varun Chakravarthy, MS Dhoni (Mentor)
  • Watch Out For: Trial by Spin—Rahul Chahar, R Ashwin, & Varun Chakravarthy can single handedly bamboozle most batting lineups. With Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel providing control, India might not have to chase large targets. Expect Ashwin in powerplays, Chahar-Jadeja in middle overs, and if he plays, Varun at the death.

  • Recent Results: Lost 1-2 to Sri Lanka
  • Prediction: Rank 2nd in Group 2. Since this side has not played together, India might drop a game or two till they figure out their best XI, but should find momentum towards the latter stages of the tournament.

Does India Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

A well balanced side overall. Selectors have finally picked IPL as the standard for T20I selection and separated it from ODI players. IPL dynasty Mumbai Indians have six players in this 15.

Shikhar Dhawan was the highest scorer for India in both the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka and has been at the top of the charts (with decent SR) in the last two IPLs, but has still not made the cut. Bold move to cut Chahal but Chahar is the in-form leg spinner.

India have punted on spinning conditions and hence, exposed their fast bowling. Too much responsibility on Bumrah? Will we see a Sharma-Kohli opening partnership? Can India finally add an ICC Trophy after a decade of semi-finals and runner-ups trophy?

New Zealand T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Kane WilliamsonMitchell SantnerKyle JamiesonGlenn PhillipsTodd AstleTrent Boult
Devon ConwayMark ChapmanDaryl MitchellTim SeifertIsh SodhiLockie Ferguson
Martin GuptillJames NeeshamTim Southee
Adam Milne
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: New Zealand

New Zealand Probable XI

  1. Tim Seifert (WK), 2. Martin Guptill, 3. Kane Williamson (C), 4. Devon Conway, 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. Jimmy Neesham, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Lockie Ferguson, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Trent Boult
  • Average Age: 30
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Colin de Grandhomme, Will Young, Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls/Tom Latham/Ross Taylor, Doug Bracewell/Hamish Bennett/Jacob Duffy/Blair Tickner, Ajaz Patel
  • Surprise Inclusions: Mark Chapman, Todd Astle
  • Watch Out For: Lockie Ferguson & Devon Conway. Ferguson’s KKR experience in UAE might come in handy and can Conway continue his dream debut year?

Does New Zealand Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

Interesting team selection this based on condition and form. Glenn Phillips-Conway-Seifert had solidifed their positions with a rich run of form last year. This meant that Will Young and Finn Allen could not break in the squad despite great T20I performances toward the end. Great depth in New Zealand cricket means several players had to miss out.

Colin de Grandhomme is the interestesting exclusion for me. If fit, he could have been devastating but Mitchell-Neesham-Santner-Jamieson have booked their tickets with a coule of good performances earlier in the year. Adam Milne unlucky to just be in the reserves because he is been on fire in the Big Bash and The hundred since his comeback. End of T20Is for Ross Taylor.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Babar AzamImad WasimHasan AliMohammad RizwanHaris Rauf
Sohaib MaqsoodMohammad HafeezMohammad WasimAzam KhanMohammad Hasnain
Khushdil ShahMohammad NawazShaheen Shah Afridi
Asif AliShadab Khan
Fakhar ZamanUsman QadirShahnawaz Dahani
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: Pakistan

Pakistan Probable XI

  1. Babar Azam (C), 2. Mohammad Rizwan, 3. Mohammad Hafeez, 4. Sohaib Maqsood, 5. Imad Wasim, 6. Azam Khan/Khushdil Shah/Asif Ali, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Hasan Ali, 9. Mohammad Nawaz, 10. Haris Rauf, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi
  • Average Age: 27
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Fakhar Zaman, Usman Qadir (Reserves), Iftikhar Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Sharjeel Khan, Imam-ul-Haq, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan Shinwari, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis (Coach)
  • Surprise Inclusions: Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah, Azam Khan
  • Watch Out For: Azam Khan, the power hitter, has hit some big sixes in CPL 2021. Could be the finisher Pakistan are looking for.

  • Recent Results: Lost 1-2 against England.
  • Prediction: Rank 1 in Group 2. Should get through the group with ease before collapsing in the semi-finals.

Does Pakistan Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

Pakistan have opted for a young squad dropping all of Shoaib Malik, Iftikhar Ahmed, Sarfaraz, and Wahab Riaz. If the lower order of Imad Wasim-Shadab-Hasan Ali can consistently score some quick runs, Pakistan will be in good shape.

The top 4 do not have competition from others in the squad, so expect Babar-Rizwan-Hafeez-Maqsood to play with freedom. Shaheen Shah Afridi-Haris Rauf-Nawaz-Hasan Ali-Shadab-Imad-Hafeez make a potent bowling line up as well. Would have liked Zaman, Qadir, Faheem Ashraf, and one of the seniors in the 15 but overall, the squad is pretty solid nevertheless.

If you like this content on Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads, please subscribe above for FREE and follow us on our social media accounts.

Follow us here if you are on Medium or Bloglovin‘.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 09/12/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies—Can West Indies Make It A Hat-Trick of World Cups?

Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads analysis time.

This might be toughest group of all. West Indies & England, the two finalists from last time, will go head-to-head in this group with wounded Australia & South Africa waiting to make their statement.

From the initial table, we might potentially see the likes of Sri Lanka/Netherlands and Scotland in this group. Without further ado, here is the detailed squad analysis—Most Balanced, Surprise Exclusions, In-Form Inclusions and Predictions!

Also Read:

T20 World Cup Groups

In the mini-qualifier group, there are two groups (Group A & B) of 4 teams each, top 2 of which will go in the main round (Group 1 and 2).

Group A has teams Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, and Sri Lanka, while Group B has teams Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland.

Group 1
Australia
England
South Africa
West Indies
A1
B2
T20 World Cup 2021: Group 1 Table

The other group, Group 2, will have India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and New Zealand.

Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads

Australia T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Aaron Finch Ashton AgarMitchell MarshJosh Inglis Mitchell SwepsonPat Cummins
Steven SmithGlenn MaxwellMarcus StoinisMatthew WadeAdam ZampaMitchell Starc
David WarnerJosh Hazlewood
Daniel SamsKane Richardson
Dan ChristianNathan Ellis
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: Australia

Australia Probable XI

  1. Matthew Wade (WK), 2. David Warner, 3. Aaron Finch (C), 4. Steven Smith, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Mitchell Marsh, 7. Marcus Stoinis, 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc/Swepson, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Adam Zampa
  • Average Age: 31
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Moises Henriques, D’arcy Short, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Riley Meredith, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey
  • Surprise Inclusions: Dan Christian (5 sixes saved him), Nathan Ellis (recent hat-trick keeps him in contention)
  • Watch Out For: The Finishers—Maxwell, in-form Marsh, Stoinis

Does Australia Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

Australia have a balanced squad with the return of Warner, Smith, Maxwell, and Stoinis. The Bangladesh series saw several players losing their spots, but is this almost ODI-esque batting line up good enough in 2021? Maxwell, Stoinis gives them extra bowling options and Wade, if consistent, can be dangerous at the top.

The batting order is an issue since this group has not played together. Marsh has done well at 3 and Wade has been impactful as an opener. Warner-Smith will cause the batting order to reshuffle, futher breaking the consistency within this Australian team.

England T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Eoin MorganMoeen AliSam CurranJonny BairstowAdil RashidTymal Mills
Dawid MalanLiam LivingstoneChris JordanJos ButtlerMark Wood
Jason RoyDavid WilleySam Billings
Chris Woakes
James VinceLiam DawsonTom Curran
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: England

England Probable XI

  1. Jason Roy, 2. Jos Buttler (WK), 3. Dawid Malan/Moeen Ali, 4. Jonny Bairstow, 5. Eoin Morgan (C), 6. Liam Livingstone, 7. Sam Curran/David Willey, 8. Chris Jordan, 9. Mark Wood, 10. Tymal Mills, 11. Adil Rashid
  • Average Age: 31
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Matt Parkinson/Saqib Mahmood/Tom Banton/Reece Topley (not picked), Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes (injury/personal reasons), James Vince (reserves), Alex Hales/Joe Root (never in contention but could have been handy). Read this to check the entire 44 players who were in contention.
  • Surprise Inclusions: Tymal Mills
  • Watch Out For: Liam Livingstone, in his form of his life. Contender for the longest six?

  1. Recent Results: Won 2-1 Vs Pakistan. Won 3-0 Vs Sri Lanka.
  2. Prediction: Rank 2nd in Group 1. Might lose one or two (Netherlands upset again?) before gathering momentum and edging to the semi-finals on net run-rate.

Does England Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

Talented squad no doubt, but some selection does not make complete sense. Curran, Jordan, Willey, Woakes and Tom Curran in reserves? Why is there a need for 4-5 fast bowling all-rounders. And Mark Wood can tonk it with the bat as well. A leg spinner in Matt Parkison would have been a good choice given the conditions and his recent international/ Hundred form.

Moeen Ali & Liam Livingstone will bowl part-time spin, but watch out for a rejuvenated Tymal Mills. X factor of the WC? Can England go one step further this time around? Last hurrah for Eoin Morgan?

South Africa T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Temba BavumaKeshav MaharajWiaan MulderQuinton de KockTabraiz ShamsiKagiso Rabada
Rassie van der DussenDwaine PretoriousHeinrich KlaasenBjorn FortuinAnrich Nortje
Aiden MarkramLungi Ngidi
David Miller
Reeza HendricksGeorge LindeAndile Phehlukwayo Lizaad Williams
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: South Africa

South Africa Probable XI

  1. Aiden Markram, 2. Quinton de Kock (WK), 3. Temba Bavuma*, 4. Rassie van der Dussen, 5. David Miller, 6. Heinrich Klassen, 7. Dwaine Pretorious, 8. Anrich Nortje, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Keshav Maharaj, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi
  • Average Age: 29
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: George Linde (reserves), Imran Tahir, Faf Du Plessis, Chris Morris, Janneman Malan
  • Surprise Inclusions: Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks
  • Watch Out For: Tabraiz Shamsi, #1 ICC T20I bowler. Has wreaked heavoc in T20Is around the world last year.

Does South Africa Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

A competitive team that is perhaps missing the winning edge. Experience of Kagiso Rabada-Anrich Nortje from their brilliant IPL 2020 at UAE will matter, since the World T20 is also staged at the same place. Spin is expected to play a role, and Tabraiz Shamsi has been an absolute star over the past year. Rabada-Nortje-Ngidi and Shamsi-Maharaj is a strong T20 bowling side and with Quinton de Kock-Markram-Miller-van der Dussen forming the batting core, South Africa have a competitive T20I side but the reserves are thin.

Several selection questions for South Africa. George Linde has been a breakout star for SA in the past year, playing the Mitchell Santner sort of role. Another left-arm spinner Fortuin has been named, while Linde is in the reserves.

Faf du Plessis just made a 120* in the CPL and was coming back into form after the concussion, and Imran Tahir was still a threat in The Hundred. One has to ask, the ‘conversations’ between Smith-Boucher and free agents AB De Villiers, Faf, Morris, and Tahir that seemed to be going well at one stage—how did it fall apart?

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Andre FletcherFabian AllenKieron PollardNicholas PooranHayden Walsh Jr.Obed McCoy
Chris GayleRoston ChaseDwayne BravoLendl SimmonsRavi Rampaul
Shimron HetmyerAndre RussellOshane Thomas
Evin Lewis
Darren BravoJason HolderAkeal HoseinSheldon Cottreell
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: West Indies

Probable XI

  1. Evin Lewis, 2. Lendl Simmons, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Nicholas Pooran, 6. Kieron Pollard (C), 7. Andre Russell, 8. Fabian Allen, 9. Dwayne Bravo, 10. Hayden Walsh Jr., 11. Obed McCoy/Ravi Rampaul
  • Average Age: 31
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Jason Holder (reserves), Sherfane Rutherford, Sunil Narine, Fidel Edwards, Kevin Sinclair, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Kennar Lewis, Odean Smith, Kesrick Williams, Carlos Brathwaite. For a detailed player-by-player analysis for each of the 42 players in contention, read here.
  • Surprise Inclusions: Roston Chase, Ravi Rampaul
  • Watch Out For: Fabian Allen, the find of West Indies’ home T20I series. Provides Pollard & Russell the breathing space and freedom to play their natural game knowing that Allen can still finish the game off. Also provides balance with left arm spin.

Does West Indies Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

Ravi Rampaul & Roston Chase, the highest wicket taker & run scorer of CPL 2021 so far, are the big winners. However, Rutherford and Romario Shepherd will find themselves a bit unlucky not to even find a reserve spot despite a good show in the CPL.

The XI basically picks itself, with each player a match-winner in their own right. The only questions are Simmons vs Fletcher and Rampaul Vs McCoy. Chase might not make the XI initially, but if it is a low scoring spin pitch, expect him to play that ‘Marlon Samuels’ role.

West Indies will miss stalwarts and lucky charms Sunil Narine & Carlos Brathwaite, but they have plenty of options to go without them. Good balance of youth & experience—will it be a fairytale hat-trick ending for Chris Gayle and co?

If you like this content on Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads, please subscribe above for FREE and follow us on our social media accounts.

Follow us here if you are on Medium or Bloglovin‘.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 09/12/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

42 Contenders For 23-Men West Indies ICC 2022 T20 World Cup Squad: #17-24 Will Shock You! Can You Guess Who Makes It?

Time for the West Indies T20 World Cup Squad, a team everyone has a time for. Last week, we analyzed 2016 World T20 finalists, England & their potential 44 players vying for the 23-men T20 World Cup squad. Today we look at their counterparts at the final who lifted the trophy.

In the last two decades, there was an impression that West Indies cricket was dying. Reminiscing at the 1908s generation was fans’ favorite pastime. Well, guess what?

I believe the 2000s T20 generation will be looked just as fondly as the 2-time 50 over winning generation or even more if they complete their hat-trick of T20 World Cup victories this time around (2012, 2016, 2021?)

Table of Contents

  1. Recent Series Results
  2. West Indies T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis
  3. Legend
    1. Current Status
    2. Verdict
  4. Openers
  5. Middle Order
  6. Spinning All-Rounders
  7. Finishers/Medium Pace All-Rounders
  8. Fast Bowlers
  9. Spinners
  10. Notable Exclusions
  11. West Indies T20 World Cup Squad

Recent Series Results

West Indies have regrouped their world cup squad with 17 games in the last couple of months. Here are the results as well as the most run-scorer/wicket-taker for West Indies in each of the series.

  • Sri Lanka tour of West Indies: West Indies won 2-1
    • Lendl Simmons (73 runs, best of 26, 140.38 SR)
    • Obed McCoy (4 wickets, best of 2/25 7.33 Economy)
  • South Africa tour of West Indies: SA won 3-2
    • Evin Lewis (131 runs, 2-50s, best of 71, 160.36 SR)
    • Dwayne Bravo (10 wickets, best of 4/19, 6.89 Economy)
  • Australia tour of West Indies: West Indies won 4-1
    • Lendl Simmons (165 runs, best of 72, 122.22 SR)
    • Hayden Walsh Jr. (12 wickets, best of 3/23, 7.00 Economy)
  • Pakistan tour of West Indies: Pakistan won 1-0 (3 No-Results)
    • Nicholas Pooran – 62* (33)
    • Jason Holder 4-0-26-2

In the last few weeks, almost all of their key players have had one match-winning performance:

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis

In order to pick the destructive West IndiesT20 World Cup Squad, we specifically pay attention to the Average + Strike Rate score for the batters along with the Economy Rate for the bowlers. A Lendl Simmons (high average, decent strike rate) is just as important as an Andre Russell (decent average, high strike rate) to this squad.

Legend

Current Status

  • Incumbent: Currently in West Indies’ T20I XI
  • Reserve: May have played for West Indies in the last two years but does not make their first XI
  • Out of Squad: Might have represented West Indies earlier or about to breakthrough, but have not been in the West Indies squad in the last couple of T20I series.

Verdict

🟩 Plays the first match in the T20 World Cup (17 October-14 November)

🟨 Boards the plane to UAE but might not get a look-into the XI

🟧 Wildcard Entry: Not in the current scheme of things but a good performance in the CPL (26 August-15 September) or IPL (19 September-15 October), and they might be back in the conversation.

🟥 Most likely not going to make it, but in COVID-19 World, anything is possible. They are next in the pecking order in case something out of the blue happens.

Over the past year, at the end of every series, we did a “World T20 World Cup Watch,” where a 23-men squad was chosen after latest performance. You can check them below.

World T20 Watch: West Indies Vs South Africa 2021, West Indies Vs Sri Lanka 2021, West Indies Vs Bangladesh 2021 Series Review: Young West Indies Rises Again In the East, New Zealand Vs West Indies 2020

Here is the pecking order now. The Predicted XI & 23-men squad at the bottom!

Openers

1. Evin Lewis 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 45, Runs: 1318, 100/50: 2/9, Best: 125*, AVE+SR: 180.17, Average: 32.14, SR: 158.03
  • T20s: 171, Runs: 4836, 100/50: 4/33, Best: 125*, AVE+SR: 174.64, Average: 30.80, SR: 143.84
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 30, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • Fortune Favors the Fit—If fit, Evin Lewis is one of the most destructive when on fire. Saves his best for international T20I.

2. Lendl Simmons 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Keeper/Vice-Captain
  • T20Is: 66, Runs: 1508, 100/50: 0/9, Best: 91*, AVE+SR: 150.81, Average: 27.41, SR: 123.40
  • T20s: 272, Runs: 7329, 100/50: 1/58, Best: 100*, AVE+SR: 150.22, Average: 30.53, SR: 119.69
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 27, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • It seems that Simmons makes the West Indies squad in the World Cup year and disappears for the 3-4 years in the middle. The real question is—does Simmons get the opening or #4 spot?

3. Andre Fletcher 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 54, Runs: 950, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 84*, AVE+SR: 132.48, Average: 21.11, SR: 111.37
  • T20s: 218, Runs: 5224, 100/50: 1/26, Best: 103*, AVE+SR: 144.04, Average: 26.78, SR: 117.26
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • The Spiceman Andre Fletcher received the well-deserved call-up to the Windies side on the back of his T20 league exploits. However, he has looked out of touch in the last three series (poor run – 9, 4, 6, 12, 0, 14*, 17*). The 17* with 2 sixes in the first over in the rain truncated game against Pakistan might have just saved his spot

4. Brandon King 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 11, Runs: 153, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 43, AVE+SR: 149.51, Average: 15.30, SR: 134.21
  • T20s: 55, Runs: 1101, 100/50: 1/5, Best: 132*, AVE+SR: 157.61, Average: 25.60, SR: 132.01
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: November 29, 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • King rose to a West Indies cap on the back of a brilliant run in the 2019 CPL (most runs scored – 496 runs), helping Guyana qualify for the final. However, he has yet to light international cricket on fire.

5. Johnson Charles 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 34, Runs: 724, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 84, AVE+SR: 149.51, Average: 21.93, SR: 121.68
  • T20s: 187, Runs: 4491, 100/50: 1/27, Best: 105*, AVE+SR: 157.61, Average: 25.08, SR: 128.46
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: September 26, 2016
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • Provided the starts for WI in the 2016 T20 World Cup, but has been out of the international arena since. 3rd highest run-scorer in CPL 2019 after Brandon King & Lendl Simmons, he is also third in the running for the reserve opener after King & Simmons.

6. Shai Hope 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 13, Runs: 238, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 55, AVE+SR: 157.63, Average: 21.63, SR: 136.00
  • T20s: 40, Runs: 772, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 88, AVE+SR: 141.50, Average: 21.44, SR: 120.06
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: November 16, 2019 (ODI: July 25, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • Sweet timer of the ball. West Indies’ most consistent ODI batter. Inconsistent Test batter. Not the best T20 player, but an outside chance nevertheless.

7. Chadwick Walton 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Wicketkeeper
  • T20Is: 19, Runs: 225, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 40, AVE+SR: 124.06, Average: 13.23, SR: 110.83
  • T20s: 170, Runs: 3200, 100/50: 0/13, Best: 99*, AVE+SR: 146.05, Average: 22.22, SR: 123.83
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 4, 2018
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Performs around the world in the PSL & CPL, he is still just in the conversation. Wicketkeeper role might give him a boost, but unlikely since Pooran & Simmons can keep wickets.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Openers

  • Makes Team: Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Andre Fletcher, Brandon King
  • Out of Team: Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Chadwick Walton

Middle Order

8. Chris Gayle 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Occasional off-spin
  • T20Is: 74, Runs: 1854, 100/50: 2/14, Best: 117, AVE+SR: 168.60, Average: 29.42, SR: 139.18, Wickets: 19, Best: 2/15, Economy: 6.92
  • T20s: 437, Runs: 14096, 100/50: 22/83, Best: 175*, AVE+SR: 183.48, Average: 37.38, SR: 146.10, Wickets: 82, Best: 4/22, Economy: 7.59
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • 4 decades, 2 World Cups, 42 international hundreds, 22 T20 tons, best of 117 175*, 215, 333 across formats, 14000 T20 runs. The Boss. Universe Boss. Doubt him at your own peril. In his own words, “Soon to 42. You guys should be happy to see Chris Gayle still on the field. Just respect the Universe Boss and let him have some fun.”

9. Shimron Hetmyer 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 37, Runs: 539, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 61, AVE+SR: 136.87, Average: 19.96, SR: 116.91
  • T20s: 98, Runs: 1836, 100/50: 1/10, Best: 100, AVE+SR: 156.10, Average: 25.15, SR: 130.95
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Delhi Capitals
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Only 24, he already has 5 ODI centuries. No doubt on his talent & flair, consistency & game situation has room to improve. Flexible floater, will be interesting what spot he will bat on.

10. Nicholas Pooran 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Vice Captain/Wicketkeeper
  • T20Is: 41, Runs: 634, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 62*, AVE+SR: 146.81, Average: 22.64, SR: 124.07
  • T20s: 185, Runs: 3415, 100/50: 1/17, Best: 100*, AVE+SR: 166.80, Average: 24.39, SR: 142.41
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Since his coming of age in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Pooran has underwhelmed Since IPL 2021, he has endured several run-outs, ducks of all kind, and has been unable to finish matches. Pollard & team management back their vice-captain, and he is just beginning to come back to form. Hope he is peaking at the right time. Should definitely make the XI on pedigree. You can read his inspirational story of pain & hope here.

11. Darren Bravo 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 21, Runs: 345, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 43*, AVE+SR: 125.64, Average: 19.16, SR: 106.48
  • T20s: 152, Runs: 3218, 100/50: 0/19, Best: 94*, AVE+SR: 149.96, Average: 32.18, SR: 117.78
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Replicating Brian Lara’s technique, unfortunately Darren Bravo has not been able to replicate his international career, apart from a few important overseas centuries. Much improved T20 player, where does he bat with Gayle at #3? He batted at #8 in his last WI outing…

12. Sherfane Rutherford 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 6, Runs: 43, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 26, AVE+SR: 84.42, Average: 23.14, SR: 61.28
  • T20s: 61, Runs: 901, 100/50: 0/12, Best: 60, AVE+SR: 161.13, Average: 22.52, SR: 138.61
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: January 18, 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • Seen around the world in the PSL, BBL, PSL, and IPL, he is a hot commodity in the T20 circuit. Gun fielder as well, does he make the 23-squad as an X-factor?

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Middle Order

  • Makes Team: Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran
  • Out of Team: Darren Bravo, Sherfane Rutherford

Spinning All-Rounders

It was clearly evident with the #4 experiment involving Simmons, Holder, & Fletcher, West Indies are trying to find a Marlon Samuels-esque insurance policy, especially a right handed middle order (to separate Lewis, Gayle, Pooran, Hetmyer) who is a part-time spinner (for UAE conditions).

The weakest area for the West Indies, most of these players below are highly unlikely to make the World Cup squad.

13. Sunil Narine 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Pinch Hitter
  • T20Is: 51, Runs: 155, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 30, AVE+SR: 122.64, Average: 10.33, SR: 112.31, Wickets: 52, Best: 4/12, Economy: 6.01
  • T20s: 212, Runs: 2559, 100/50: 0/9, Best: 79, AVE+SR: 161.18, Average: 14.87, SR: 146.31, Wickets: 396, Best: 5/19, Economy: 6.08
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 5, 2019
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes., IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • He is welcome to the West Indies team if he chooses to/when he regains confidence. His international career has been thwarted by suspect action, but his T20 career has revived due to batting abilities. Great against spin, poor against pace, he has been found out at the IPL. One final flourish? Surely he makes the 23?

14. Jason Mohammed 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Off Spinner
  • T20Is: 9, Runs: 90, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 23*, AVE+SR: 105.37, Average: 18.00, SR: 87.37
  • T20s: 90, Runs: 1231, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 66, AVE+SR: 124.02, Average: 22.79, SR: 101.23, Wickets: 5, Best: 2/6, Economy: 7.06
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: April 2, 2018 (ODI: July 23, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Mohammed’s career is quite interesting. Debuting in 2011, he has only played 35 ODIs and 9 T20Is. Yet his performances in Regional Super50 competition merited his comeback to the extent that he even captained the West Indies as late as December 2020 in the ODI series against Bangladesh. Senior player, off-spinner – looks like Samuels on paper, but not enough international performances.

15. Roston Chase 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Off Spinner/ Top Order Stabilizer
  • T20s: 16, Runs: 302, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 66, AVE+SR: 150.01, Average: 37.75, SR: 112.26, Wickets: 9, Best: 3/12, Economy: 5.48
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Yet to Play (Test: June 20, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • Senior play in Tests and until recently in Jason Holder’s ‘engine room,’ Chase’s form has dropped off since the COVID break. However, he has started to play T20s and will play in the CPL. In UAE conditions, a mature batter & off-spinner like him might be an interesting choice.

16. Rakheem Cornwall 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Off Spinner/Lower Order Hitter
  • T20s: 51, Runs: 776, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 78*, AVE+SR: 168.15, Average: 18.92, SR: 149.23, Wickets: 24, Best: 3/10, Economy: 7.67
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Yet to Play (Test: June 11, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • A fan favorite, excellent slip fielder, effective off-spinner, and a counterattacking batter, Cornwall has solidified his spot in Tests. Can he perform in the CPL for a late run to the World Cup spot?

17. Fabian Allen 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Left arm spinner/Finisher
  • T20Is: 28, Runs: 250, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 34, AVE+SR: 156.73, Average: 17.85, SR: 138.88, Wickets: 20, Best: 2/18, Economy: 7.21
  • T20s: 49, Runs: 596, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 64*, AVE+SR: 178.53, Average: 22.92, SR: 155.61, Wickets: 29, Best: 2/18, Economy: 7.67
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • 29 (14), 8*(8), 19* (13), 14* (9), 34* (12), 21* (6). Fabian Allen has been a revelation as a finisher in the last four series starting from the 3 consecutive sixes against Sri Lanka. Left arm off spinner, West Indies’ best fielder (sorry Hayden), and wonderful celebration, Allen makes it to the XI without a doubt.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Spinning All-Rounders

  • Makes Team: Fabian Allen, Sunil Narine, 1 out of Jason Mohammed, Rakheem Cornwall, Roston Chase
  • Out of Team: 2 out of Jason Mohammed, Rakheem Cornwall, Roston Chase

Finishers/Medium Pace All-Rounders

Teams are lucky to have one legend. Apart from Gayle, this section gives 3-4 more legends to the West Indies. Luxury of riches in the fast bowling all-rounder department.

18. Kieron Pollard 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Captain/Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 88, Runs: 1378, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 75*, AVE+SR: 162.53, Average: 24.60, SR: 137.93, Wickets: 38, Best: 4/25, Economy: 8.42
  • T20s: 550, Runs: 10898, 100/50: 1/54, Best: 104, AVE+SR: 178.53, Average: 31.68, SR: 152.84, Wickets: 297, Best: 4/15, Economy: 8.20
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Mumbai Indians
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Since his captaincy stint, Pollard has entered his best phase. Taking TKR to an undefeated run to victory in the CPL, he is now a lot more mature in reading the game situation, a characteristic most other WI batters lack. He can hit it out of the ground or soak in the pressure when needed. Brilliant fielder and has the partnership breaking golden arm as well.

19. Jason Holder 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Opening Medium Fast Bowler
  • T20Is: 27, Runs: 201, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 29*, AVE+SR: 134.29, Average: 16.75, SR: 117.54, Wickets: 22, Best: 4/26, Economy: 8.08
  • T20s: 137, Runs: 1171, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 69, AVE+SR: 143.65, Average: 15.82, SR: 127.83, Wickets: 119, Best: 4/26, Economy: 7.70
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • From restarting Test cricket in England post COVID break with a magnificent chase to losing his Test captaincy, he has seen all the ups and downs in the last two years. A couple of knocks under pressure in IPL 2020, and he found his way back to the T20I side. Blocking Hasaranga in the penultimate over to save Allen was one of his recent highlights although the #4 experiment has failed. Has also had a few good bowling spells. Should make the 23-men squad, but does he make your XI?

20. Andre Russell 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Fast Death Bowler
  • T20Is: 62, Runs: 1034, 100/50: 0/1, Best: 51, AVE+SR: 177.38, Average: 21.05, SR: 156.33, Wickets: 36, Best: 3/43, Economy: 9.18
  • T20s: 369, Runs: 6225, 100/50: 2/24, Best: 121*, AVE+SR: 196.37, Average: 26.71, SR: 169.66, Wickets: 325, Best: 5/15, Economy: 8.38
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • The highest AVE+SR for any WI batter, he will be disappointed with his low average & 50+ scores in T20I. The most destructive finisher & one of the longest hitter of the ball, he makes it to the XI. Death bowling skills is a definite plus. Needs to learn to trust batting partners in the final over and take singles/doubles.

21. Dwayne Bravo 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Death Bowler/Slower Delivery Specialist
  • T20Is: 86, Runs: 1229, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 66*, AVE+SR: 138.79, Average: 23.18, SR: 115.61, Wickets: 76, Best: 4/19, Economy: 8.08
  • T20s: 490, Runs: 6429, 100/50: 0/20, Best: 70*, AVE+SR: 150.57, Average: 23.72, SR: 126.85, Wickets: 532, Best: 5/23, Economy: 8.19
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • 133 T20 wickets more than the next in the list, Imran Tahir, Bravo has conquered all the leagues around the world. Retiring and coming back, it seems that he has finally played his final T20I game at home. Still going strong with a career-best 4/19 against South Africa along with a 47* (34) at #5 against Australia. One final stretch for the great man.

22. Carlos Brathwaite 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 41, Runs: 310, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 37*, AVE+SR: 127.89, Average: 14.76, SR: 113.13, Wickets: 31, Best: 3/20, Economy: 8.57
  • T20s: 210, Runs: 1923, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 64*, AVE+SR: 152.17, Average: 15.89, SR: 136.28, Wickets: 195, Best: 4/15, Economy: 8.14
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 13, 2019
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Apart from “Remember the Name” & “Dream is Diminished,” not much of note in between for Carlos. Still possesses the X-factor and is playing in leagues like the Hundred. Since there are plenty of allrounders, the real question is, “Do the selectors remember his name?”

23. Rovman Powell 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 30, Runs: 344, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 54, AVE+SR: 138.80, Average: 18.10, SR: 120.70, Wickets: 4, Best: 2/31, Economy: 8.76
  • T20s: 88, Runs: 1319, 100/50: 0/5, Best: 84, AVE+SR: 150.16, Average: 21.98, SR: 128.18, Wickets: 16, Best: 2/21, Economy: 10.25
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: March 6, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Known for his massive six hitting ability, Powell has been on the West Indies radar for a while, even scoring an ODI 100. He is one of the players on the fringes and this CPL will be an outright audition for him.

24. Keemo Paul 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 20, Runs: 168, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 54, AVE+SR: 138.80, Average: 21.00, SR: 117.48, Wickets: 24, Best: 5/15, Economy: 8.93
  • T20s: 64, Runs: 397, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 38, AVE+SR: 123.46, Average: 14.70, SR: 108.76, Wickets: 61, Best: 5/15, Economy: 8.84
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: March 6, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • Skiddy bowler and useful hitter down the order, he is one of West Indies’ brightest prospects. From the 2016 U-19 World Cup fame, he rose through the ranks, even receiving the 2019 T20 Player of the Year for the West Indies. Can the 23-year old make the squad or is it too soon?

25. Kyle Mayers 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Right arm Medium
  • T20Is: 2, Runs: 25, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 20, AVE+SR: 163.88, Average: 25.00, SR: 138.88
  • T20s: 63, Runs: 715, 100/50: 0/1, Best: 85, AVE+SR: 158.99, Average: 16.62, SR: 111.19, Wickets:16, Best: 2/14, Economy: 7.79
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: November 29, 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • A left field choice. From the da Silva-Bonner-Mayers Bangladesh fame, Mayers’ career has only gone up. 210* on debut second innings chase, he has also forced his way to the second string ODI squad. A good show with the ball in the Test against South Africa, and now you have a good all-round package. Will probably not make this squad but good to have him as cover.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Medium Pace All-Rounders/Finishers

  • Makes Team: Kieron Pollard, Jason Holder, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Rovman Powell, Keemo Paul
  • Out of Team: Carlos Brathwaite, Kyle Mayers

Enjoying this article on West Indies T20 World Cup Squad so far? Subscribe below for more!

Fast Bowlers

26. Obed McCoy 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 12, Wickets: 19, Best: 4/22, Economy: 7.70
  • T20s: 31, Wickets: 39, Best: 4/22, Economy: 8.08
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 11, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • Find for the West Indies in the last couple of months. His slower deliveries are well disguised and can bowl at any point of the innings. Should not only make the 23, but also the XI.

27. Sheldon Cottrell 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 34, Wickets: 42, Best: 4/28, Economy: 7.85
  • T20s: 108, Wickets: 140, Best: 4/20, Economy: 7.57
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • McCoy has overtaken him in the pecking order, but still remains effective. Salute celebration, good fielding abilities, he should make it in the squad. Was on the receiving end of Tewatia’s special in IPL 2020 at UAE.

28. Fidel Edwards 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 26, Wickets: 20, Best: 3/23, Economy: 8.24
  • T20s: 115, Wickets: 109, Best: 5/22, Economy: 7.74
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 9, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Remarkable comeback story. Debuting back in 2003, he left to England around 2012 after 165 Test wickets & 60 ODI wickets, employing his trade for Hampshire. Now back to the T20I side as a 39-year-old, he hasn’t been at his best. However, a slingy fast bowler is never a bad thing as long as he is fit.

29. Alzarri Joseph 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 26, Wickets: 27, Best: 6/12, Economy: 9.40
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Have not Played Yet (ODI: July 25, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • One of the breakthrough stars of the 2016 U-19 World Cup, he was soon fast tracked to the Test & ODI arena. Although he has yet to debut in T20Is, his 6/12 remains the best figures for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Has also shown maturity with the bat with 86 (Test) & 29* (ODI) recently. He has the potential, but might be a toss off between him and Oshane Thomas.

30. Oshane Thomas 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 17, Wickets: 19, Best: 5/28, Economy: 9.16
  • T20s: 44, Wickets: 57, Best: 5/28, Economy: 9.32
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • West Indies’ 2019 Emerging Player of the Year, 6 foot 6, throwback to the old West Indian fast bowlers. Can be the enforcer in the middle overs. Needs to keep his economy in check though.

31. Kesrick Williams 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 26, Wickets: 41, Best: 4/28, Economy: 8.76
  • T20s: 100, Wickets: 129, Best: 4/11, Economy: 8.70
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Have not Played Yet (ODI: July 25, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • One of the most known celebrations in the game due to his notebook checklist, he has been in and out of the national side. Skiddy bowler, could be a handful in UAE conditions if selected.

32. Romario Shepherd 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 6, Wickets: 2, Best: 1/37, Economy: 10.27
  • T20s: 27, Wickets: 25, Best: 4/13, Economy: 8.42
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Hasn’t been among the wickets recently (0/38, 0/37, 0/30) but is on the fringes. Selectors have him in mind so far, but CPL will define if he makes it to the UAE.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Fast Bowlers

  • Makes Team: Obed McCoy, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Oshane Thomas
  • Out of Team: Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kesrick Williams

Spinners

33. Hayden Walsh Jr. 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20s: 26, Wickets: 23, Best: 3/23, Economy: 7.59
  • T20s: 47, Wickets: 52, Best: 5/19, Economy: 7.85
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • Ex-USA international (born in U.S. Virgin Islands) with Antiguan father & uncle, who both competed at the first class level. In-and-out recently, his Player of the Series performance against Australia should safely put him in the West Indies T20 World Cup squad.

34. Akeal Hosein 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20s: 6, Wickets: 0, Economy: 9.75
  • T20s: 46, Wickets: 23, Best: 3/14, Economy: 6.87
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight riders
  • 0 wickets in 6 T20I games is a concern, but he has impressed in spells. With a left-arm spinner already with Fabian Allen, it is unlikely he will get many games unless it is a ranker turner.

35. Kevin Sinclair 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 6, Wickets: 4, Best: 2/23, Economy: 8.33
  • T20s: 11, Wickets: 9, Best: 2/13, Economy: 6.59
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: June 28, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Will be a direct competition between Kevin Sinclair, Khary Pierre, and Akeal Hosein for the second spinner with Walsh Jr. CPL is of high importance for the three of them.

36. Khary Pierre 🟧

  • Current Status: Out of Squad Other Roles: Can bat a bit
  • T20s: 10, Wickets: 7, Best: 2/44, Economy: 9.60
  • T20s: 45, Wickets: 41, Best: 3/18, Economy: 7.31
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: January 17 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Currently out of the reckoning for a year and a half, but anything is possible with two months to go. Spin is not West Indies’ core strength, so they might take backup.
Embed from Getty Images

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Spinners

  • Makes Team: Hayden Walsh Jr., Akeal Hosein, Kevin Sinclair
  • Out of Team: Khary Pierre

Notable Exclusions

37-42. Ashley Nurse, Joshua de Silva, Chemar Holder, Jayden Seales, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad

Here is the moment of truth. Based on our player-by-player analysis above, here is Broken Cricket Dreams’ Predicted XI and West Indies T20 World Cup squad.

West Indies now have a good mix of youth & experience. Along with the legends (Gayle, Pollard, Russell, Bravo), there is the next batch of players (Lewis, Pooran, Allen) and the 2016 U-19 World Cup generation (Hetmyer, Joseph, McCoy, Paul).

  1. Evin Lewis
  2. Lendl Simmons
  3. Chris Gayle
  4. Shimron Hetmyer
  5. Nicholas Pooran (WK)
  6. Kieron Pollard (C)
  7. Andre Russell
  8. Fabian Allen
  9. Dwayne Bravo
  10. Hayden Walsh Jr.
  11. Obed McCoy

Squad: 12. Jason Holder, 13. Sunil Narine*, 14. Andre Fletcher, 15. Fidel Edwards, 16. Sheldon Cottrell, 17. Akeal Hosein, 18. Kevin Sinclair, 19. Oshane Thomas, 20. Rovman Powell/Keemo Paul, 21. Alzarri Joseph/Romario Shepherd, 22. Roston Chase/Darren Bravo, 23. Brandon King/Sherfane Rutherford

*if fit and eligible to play

If you like this content on West Indies T20 World Cup Squad, please subscribe above for FREE and follow us on our social media accounts.

Follow us here if you are on Medium or Bloglovin‘.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 08/07/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

44 Contenders For 23-Men England ICC 2022 T20 World Cup Squad: Who’s In, Who Misses Out?

Captain Eoin Morgan said that he is “continuously monitoring different” individuals for the England T20 World Cup Squad. So why not help him out a bit?

Saqib Mahmood dazzled in the Pakistan-England series, Liam Livingstone and James Vince are striking the living daylight out of the white ball, and death bowlers are getting more expensive by the day.

The Hundred is upon us now. We get to see breakout stars like Chris Benjamin. However, it is unlikely they will even be considered for the upcoming T20 World Cup. On the other hand, ex-England players like Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, Steven Finn, and Jade Dernbach make sure that the domestic game is still strong, but they will not board the plane either come November.

We analyze each and every player that is contender for the 23-men (COVID rules) T20 World Cup—when they last played for England, T20/T20I stats, where they stack with their competitors, and how many games they have to secure their spot. There are 36 strong candidates in the list with 44 overall T20 prospects for this World Cup. And no, this is not the entire depth of the English cricket team. That would take it up to 75 players depth!

Table of Contents

  1. Legend
    1. Current Status
    2. Verdict
  2. England T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis
  3. Openers
  4. #3 and #4
  5. Finishers
  6. Reserve Keeper
  7. All Rounders
  8. Fast Bowlers
  9. Spinners
  10. Notable Exclusions
  11. England XI

Also Read: County Cricket-Hundred Debate From an Outsider’s Perspective: Can They Co-Exist?, The Comedy of Overs: A Shakespearean Parody

Legend

Current Status

  • Incumbent: Currently in England’s T20I XI
  • Reserve: May have played for England in the last two years but does not make their first XI
  • Out of Squad: Might have represented England earlier or about to breakthrough, but have not been in the England squad in the last couple of T20I series.

Verdict

🟩 Plays the first match in the T20 World Cup

🟨 Boards the plane to UAE but might not get a look-into the XI

🟧 Wildcard Entry: Not in the current scheme of things but a good performance in the Hundred, T20 Blast, or IPL, and they might be back in the conversation.

🟥 Most likely not going to make it, but in COVID-19 World, anything is possible. They are next in the pecking order in case something out of the blue happens.

Over the past year, at the end of every series, we did a “World T20 World Cup Watch,” where a 23-men squad was chosen after latest performance. You can check them below.

Also Read: England Vs Sri Lanka 2021 Series Review, India Vs England Series Review T20I, England Vs South Africa 2020 Series Review

Here is the pecking order now.

England T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis

In order to create the machinery for the explosive England T20 World Cup Squad, we specifically pay attention to the Average + Strike Rate score for the batters along with the Economy Rate for the bowlers. A Dawid Malan (high average, decent strike rate) is just as important as a Jason Roy (decent average, high strike rate) to this squad.

Openers

1. Jason Roy 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 48, Runs: 3658, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 78, AVE+SR: 170.51, Average: 24.85, SR: 145.66
  • T20s: 246, Runs: 6403, 100/50: 4/42, Best: 122*, AVE+SR: 171.23, Average: 27.96, SR: 143.27
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • Out of form in the last year, he is just getting back to his best. If he performs in the Hundred, he makes the XI, let alone the squad.

2. Jos Buttler 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Keeper/Vice-Captain
  • T20Is: 82, Runs: 1871, 100/50: 0/14, Best: 83*, AVE+SR: 171.54, Average: 31.71, SR: 139.83
  • T20s: 292, Runs: 7066, 100/50: 1/49, Best: 124, AVE+SR: 175.44, Average: 31.68, SR: 143.76
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Manchester Originals, IPL Team: Rajasthan Royals
  • Vice-Captain, Wicketkeeper. Has gone to another level as a T20I opener. One of the first names of the team sheet.

3. James Vince 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 12, Runs: 340, 100/50: 0/1, Best: 59, AVE+SR: 151.96, Average: 28.33, SR: 123.63
  • T20s: 258, Runs: 6949, 100/50: 2/42, Best: 107*, AVE+SR: 164.73, Average: 30.61, SR: 134.12
  • Last Played T20I For England: November 9, 2019 (*ODI: July 12, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: None
  • Has the best cover drive in England. Finally showed up on the big stage with a 100 in ODI against Pakistan. Performed in other leagues around the world in the past year and continuing it with The Hundred – pushing for a spot in the squad. Maybe in the XI.

4. Tom Banton 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Keeper
  • T20Is: 9, Runs: 205, 100/50: 0/1, Best: 71, AVE+SR: 166.12, Average: 22.77, SR: 143.35
  • T20s: 53, Runs: 1394, 100/50: 2/9, Best: 107*, AVE+SR: 184.89, Average: 28.44, SR: 156.45
  • Last Played T20I For England: September 7, 2020
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Welsh Fire, IPL Team: None
  • Burst on the scene as the next ‘KP’ with the scoops and reverse sweeps. Destructive when on fire but has received limited opportunities. Needs to make most of The Hundred if he wants to get into the England squad.

5. Alex Hales 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 60, Runs: 1644, 100/50: 1/8, Best: 71, AVE+SR: 167.66, Average: 31.01, SR: 136.65
  • T20s: 306, Runs: 8569, 100/50: 5/53, Best: 116*, AVE+SR: 176.87, Average: 30.82, SR: 146.05
  • Last Played T20I For England: March 9, 2019
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Trent Rockets, IPL Team: None
  • Dominates T20 leagues around the world. Failed drug tests, Bristol brawl, relationship with Morgan, and controversy has almost killed his international career. Time running out for that ‘conversation’ to get him back into the England team. And with like-to-like batter James Vince already having a foot in the door, it will be difficult for him to comeback.

6. Phil Salt 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20s: 104, Runs: 2333, 100/50: 0/18, Best: 78*, AVE+SR: 176.94, Average: 25.35, SR: 151.59
  • Last Played T20I For England: Yet to play (*ODI: July 12, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Manchester Originals, IPL Team: None
  • Impressed in the ODI series against Pakistan. Look out for him in the next decade. Only an outside chance for this World Cup.

England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Openers

  • Makes Team: Jason Roy, Jos Buttler, James Vince, Tom Banton
  • Out of Team: Alex Hales, Phil Salt

#3 and #4

7. Dawid Malan 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 30, Runs: 1123, 100/50: 1/11, Best: 103*, AVE+SR: 182.62, Average: 43.19, SR: 139.33
  • T20s: 240, Runs: 6507, 100/50: 5/38, Best: 117, AVE+SR: 160.52, Average: 32.69, SR: 127.83
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Trent Rockets, IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • #1 T20I batter in the world, but questions beginning to creep on his position in the XI due to spin. He is definitely a match-winner, but hope he does not lose matches on his off-days.

8. Moeen Ali 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Off-spinner/All-rounder
  • T20Is: 38, Runs: 437, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 72*, AVE+SR: 152.32, Average: 16.18, SR: 136.13, Wickets: 21, Best: 2/21, Economy: 8.42
  • T20s: 183, Runs: 3925, 100/50: 2/21, Best: 121*, AVE+SR: 165.62, Average: 24.84, SR: 140.78, Wickets: 124, Best: 5/34, Economy: 7.56
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Birmingham Phoenix, IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
  • Has to one of my the most underutilized players in the last decade. Practically played in every position and with vital IPL experience, will be key in UAE. Can he beat the competition to bat in the top-order?

9. Ben Stokes 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Medium Pace/All-rounder/Reserve Captain
  • T20Is: 34, Runs: 442, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 47*, AVE+SR: 156.93, Average: 20.09, SR: 136.84, Wickets: 19, Best: 3/26, Economy: 8.77
  • T20s: 148, Runs: 2865, 100/50: 2/9, Best: 107*, AVE+SR: 159.98, Average: 24.91, SR: 135.07, Wickets: 86, Best: 4/16, Economy: 8.52
  • Last Played T20I For England: March 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Uncertain.
  • Hundred Team: Northern Superchargers, IPL Team: Rajasthan Royals
  • Not the best T20 stats but he is a big game player. The real question is, where does he play? #3 like the IPL or as a finisher? Stokes is taking an indefinite break from all cricket. Hopefully he is okay.

10. Jonny Bairstow 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Keeper
  • T20Is: 57, Runs: 1143, 100/50: 0/7, Best: 86*, AVE+SR: 164.92, Average: 27.87, SR: 137.05
  • T20s: 160, Runs: 3857, 100/50: 3/22, Best: 114, AVE+SR: 169.29, Average: 31.35, SR: 137.94
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. (but why?) Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Welsh Fire, IPL Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • One of the best ODI opening batters of all-time, a clean striker, and a wonderful player of spin, his role might change with a #4 position for the T20 World Cup.

11. Joe Root 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Part-time Off-Spinner
  • T20Is: 32, Runs: 893, 100/50: 0/5, Best: 90*, AVE+SR: 162.02, Average: 35.72, SR: 126.30, Wickets: 6, Best: 2/9, Economy: 9.92
  • T20s: 83, Runs: 1994, 100/50: 0/13, Best: 92*, AVE+SR: 158.92, Average: 32.16, SR: 126.76, Wickets: 21, Best: 2/7, Economy: 8.41
  • Last Played T20I For England: May 4, 2019 (ODI: 3 July, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Trent Rockets, IPL Team: None
  • Chief architect of the 2016 runners-up campaign, Root has fallen off the charts in the last four years in T20 cricket. He has expressed his desire to play more T20I cricket but does not play many leagues. Lower SR than Malan, but is a valuable part-timer that might help his case.

12. Zak Crawley 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 35, Runs: 1042, 100/50: 1/5, Best: 108*, AVE+SR: 187.29, Average: 33.61, SR: 153.68
  • Last Played T20I For England: Yet to Play (ODI: July 12, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: London Spirit, IPL Team: None
  • An outside choice for the T20 World Cup, but he showed in London Spirit’s opening game of the Hundred, that he is a fluent batter – 64 (40). One of England’s future stars, a 187.29 AVE+SR is the best of any current England batters apart from Livingstone

13. Ben Duckett 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 1, Runs: 9, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 9, AVE+SR: 137.57, Average: 9.00, SR: 128.57
  • T20s: 122, Runs: 2903, 100/50: 0/18, Best: 96, AVE+SR: 166.85, Average: 30.88, SR: 135.97
  • Last Played T20I For England: May 4, 2019
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Welsh Fire, IPL Team: None
  • With scores of 53,41 (The Hundred), 74*, 45 (Vitality Blast), 69* (County Championship), Duckett is in red-hot form and was in the Pakistan squad. He is on the fringe and definitely has the shots, courage, and innovation to succeed in T20s.

14. Joe Denly 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Part-time Leg-Spinner (has a hat-trick)
  • T20Is: 13, Runs: 125, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 30, AVE+SR: 118.43, Average: 12.50, SR: 105.93,Wickets: 7, Best: 4/19, Economy: 7.75
  • T20s: 241, Runs: 5719, 100/50: 4/31, Best: 127, AVE+SR: 148.64, Average: 26.60, SR: 122.04, Wickets: 41, Best: 4/19, Economy: 7.80
  • Last Played T20I For England: September 7, 2020
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: London Spirit, IPL Team: None
  • Cameback after a decade, played a few memorable knocks, but in all likelihood, selectors have left him behind. My gut says that one of the Joes will make it in the squad – Denly’s flexibility and leg break is a big plus (but Root will likely edge past him).

England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – #3-4

  • Makes Team: Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root
  • Out of Team: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Denly

Finishers

15. Eoin Morgan 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Captain
  • T20Is: 107, Runs: 2360, 100/50: 0/14, Best: 91, AVE+SR: 167.03, Average: 28.78, SR: 138.25
  • T20s: 332, Runs: 7217, 100/50: 0/37, Best: 91, AVE+SR: 158.99, Average: 26.82, SR: 132.17
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Most Likely.
  • Hundred Team: London Spirit, IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
  • Captain Morgan, captain cool. His pedigree in captaincy is still top notch but his potency with the bat has declined. Just a loss of form or signal to waning batting prowess? Does he make your XI?

16. Liam Livingstone 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Part-time Leg Spinner
  • T20Is: 8, Runs: 206, 100/50: 1/0, Best: 103, AVE+SR: 201.80, Average: 34.33, SR: 167.47, Wickets: 2, Best: 1/8, Economy: 7.20
  • T20s: 141, Runs: 3608, 100/50: 2/20, Best: 103, AVE+SR: 171.13, Average: 29.09, SR: 142.04, Wickets: 53, Best: 4/17, Economy: 7.76
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Birmingham Phoenix, IPL Team: Rajasthan Royals
  • Fastest T20I century by an Englishmen and probably one of the longest hitter of the ball. The most in-form batter in England, he should make the England XI.

17. Sam Billings 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Keeper
  • T20Is: 32, Runs: 417, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 87, AVE+SR: 145.08, Average: 16.68, SR: 128.30
  • T20s: 180, Runs: 3646, 100/50: 0/21, Best: 95*, AVE+SR: 153.93, Average: 23.67, SR: 130.26
  • Last Played T20I For England: June 25, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
  • The ultimate team man, Sam Billings has been carrying drinks for the last four years. He should make the squad just because of his patience. Expecting a couple of cameos with the little opportunities he gets.

England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Finishers

  • Makes Team: Eoin Morgan, Liam Livingstone, Sam Billings
  • Out of Team:

Reserve Keeper

18. John Simpson 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Keeper
  • T20s: 132, Runs: 2238, 100/50: 0/8, Best: 84*, AVE+SR: 153.04, Average: 23.31, SR: 129.73
  • Last Played T20I For England: Yet to Play (July 12, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Northern Superchargers, IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
  • Impressed with his keeping skills in the England-Pakistan series, but will most likely not make it with Buttler-Bairstow-Billings-Banton all secondary keepers.

Enjoying this article on England T20 World Cup Squad so far? Subscribe below for more!

All Rounders

19. Sam Curran 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Pinch-hitter
  • T20Is: 16, Runs: 91, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 24, AVE+SR: 177.84, Average: 18.20, SR: 159.64, Wickets: 16, Best: 3/28, Economy: 7.93
  • T20s: 103, Runs: 1232, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 72*, AVE+SR: 167.46, Average: 20.88, SR: 136.58, Wickets: 103, Best: 4/11, Economy: 8.49
  • Last Played T20I For England: June 25, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
  • The ‘Makes Things Happen‘ guy, he is a valuable asset, especially after his Chennai Super Kings stint. Opens the bowling, bowls at the death, and can open the batting/#3 as a pinch hitter. A gun fielder as well.

20. David Willey 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Specialist swing bowler
  • T20Is: 32, Runs: 182, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 29*, AVE+SR: 146.84, Average: 14.00, SR: 132.84, Wickets: 38, Best: 4/7, Economy: 7.99
  • T20s: 197, Runs: 2797, 100/50: 2/11, Best: 118, AVE+SR: 163.77, Average: 23.50, SR: 140.27, Wickets: 191, Best: 4/7, Economy: 7.89
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Northern Superchargers, IPL Team: None
  • Has been in-and-out of the squad since his debut. Jofra Archer’s entrance meant his spot was sacrificed on the eve of the World Cup. He should find a place in the 23-men squad, and can be played in the XI if swing on offer. Bats at he top in domestic cricket as well.

21. Chris Jordan 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Specialist Death Bowler
  • T20Is: 65, Runs: 296, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 36, AVE+SR: 148.13, Average: 14.80, SR: 133.33, Wickets: 73, Best: 4/6, Economy: 8.70
  • T20s: 227, Runs: 1179, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 45, AVE+SR: 135.04, Average: 14.37, SR: 120.67, Wickets: 103, Best: 4/11, Economy: 8.49
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • Highest wicket-taker for England in T20Is (73), his inconsistency and economy rate has seen him dropped recently. If he is in-form, he merits a place in the XI. Has the yorkers, all the variations, and one of the best fielders on the circuit.

22. Chris Woakes 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 10, Runs: 91, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 37, AVE+SR: 170.77, Average: 30.33, SR: 144.44, Wickets: 8, Best: 2/40, Economy: 8.11
  • T20s: 118, Runs: 831, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 57* AVE+SR: 162.30, Average: 25.18, SR: 137.12, Wickets: 129, Best: 4/21, Economy: 8.27
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Birmingham Phoenix, IPL Team: Delhi Capitals
  • No questions on his credentials, but does he make the XI with Archer, Wood, Curran, Jordan? Also gets rested too often. Maybe he is injury prone.

23. Lewis Gregory 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 9, Runs: 45, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 15, AVE+SR: 117.25, Average: 7.50, SR: 109.75, Wickets: 2, Best: 1/10, Economy: 9.00
  • T20s: 141, Runs: 1758, 100/50: 0/5, Best: 76*, AVE+SR: 163.84, Average: 20.92, SR: 142.92, Wickets: 133, Best: 5/27, Economy: 8.99
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 15, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Trent Rockets, IPL Team: None
  • Brilliant 77 to rescue England against Pakistan in an ODI will be in selectors mind, but will be touch-and-go for the 23-squad.

24. Tom Curran 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 30, Runs: 64, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 14*, AVE+SR: 124.94, Average: 10.66, SR: 114.28, Wickets: 29, Best: 4/36, Economy: 9.25
  • T20s: 145, Runs: 1057, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 62, AVE+SR: 153.24, Average: 19.94, SR: 134.30, Wickets: 165, Best: 4/22, Economy: 8.85
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 17, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: Delhi Capitals
  • Tom Curran is the big question. If he is in the squad, he will definitely get games but it is a risky proposition. With other allrounders in the team, will Brydon Carse, Reece Topley, and Lewis Gregory give Tom a scare? Not sure if specialist slower delivery alone is valuable in today’s era. The IPL in UAE is break or make for him.

25. Liam Dawson 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Left-arm orthodox
  • T20Is: 6, Runs: 17, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 10, AVE+SR: 229.50, Average: 17.00, SR: 212.50, Wickets: 5, Best: 3/27, Economy: 7.60
  • T20s: 177, Runs: 1984, 100/50: 0/5, Best: 82, AVE+SR: 133.72, Average: 19.64, SR: 114.08, Wickets: 126, Best: 5/17, Economy: 7.30
  • Last Played T20I For England: February 17, 2018
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: No
  • Matt Parkinson has nearly established himself as an understudy to Adil Rashid in the spin department. Dawson hasn’t played since 2018, but will the slow UAE pitches and left-arm spin variety force a rethink?

England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – All-Rounders

  • Makes Team: Sam Curran, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Chris Woakes
  • Out of Team: Tom Curran, Lewis Gregory, Liam Dawson

Fast Bowlers

26. Jofra Archer 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 12, Wickets: 14, Best: 4/33, Economy: 7.89
  • T20s: 121, Wickets: 153, Best: 4/18, Economy: 7.65
  • Last Played T20I For England: March 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Maybe.
  • Hundred Team: Southern Brave (not playing), IPL Team: Rajasthan Royals
  • If fit, he will make the XI, but if not, how does that change England’s composition?

Update August 5th, 2021: Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the T20 World and other cricket for the rest of the year due to elbow fracture.

27. Mark Wood 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 17, Wickets: 26, Best: 3/9, Economy: 8.50
  • T20s: 38, Wickets: 46, Best: 4/25, Economy: 8.14
  • Last Played T20I For England: June 23, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: London Spirit (not playing), IPL Team: Rajasthan Royals
  • England’s enforcer in limited overs cricket, their team’s success relies heavily on Wood’s form. At the peak of his powers, no question on his place.

28. Saqib Mahmood 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 9, Wickets: 7, Best: 3/33, Economy: 10.41
  • T20s: 42, Wickets: 54, Best: 4/14, Economy: 8.54
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: None
  • With 4/42, 2/21, 3/60, 1/46, 3/33 across formats against Pakistan, Saqib has stormed into England’s squad. Like-for-like replacement for Wood in ODIs, can he replicate his success in T20Is?

29. Reece Topley 🟨

  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 6, Wickets: 5, Best: 3/24, Economy: 10.07
  • T20s: 117, Wickets: 117, Best: 4/20, Economy: 8.18
  • Last Played T20I For England: March 17, 2016 (ODI: March 27, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: None
  • 6 foot 7, left arm medium. Height, left-arm, pace & bounce. Injuries have marred his career, but not too far away from the XI.

30. Jake Ball 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 2, Wickets: 2, Best: 1/39, Economy: 11.85
  • T20s: 93, Wickets: 118, Best: 4/11, Economy: 8.81
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 7, 2018
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Welsh Fire, IPL Team: None
  • Been around since 2016 and debuted in all formats, but never managed to cement a place. The Hundred is his final opportunity before the T20 World Cup.

31. Tymal Mills 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 5, Wickets: 3, Best: 1/27, Economy: 6.78
  • T20s: 132, Wickets: 142, Best: 4/22, Economy: 7.84
  • Last Played T20I For England: May 30, 2018 (ICC World XI), 2017 – last played for England
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: None
  • One of the fastest in England, a poor stint with RCB in the IPL & injuries set him back for a couple of years. Still only 28, still has a long career ahead. Definitely in Morgan’s mind and considered for the World Cup due to his X-factor potential.

32. Brydon Carse 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 36, Wickets: 19, Best: 3/30, Economy: 8.76
  • Last Played T20I For England: Yet to play (ODI: July 12, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Northern Superchargers, IPL Team: None
  • Has impressed at the death in the Pakistan series and so far with the Hundred. An outside chance to replace Tom Curran.

33. Craig Overton 🟥

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 59, Wickets: 54, Best: 3/17, Economy: 9.00
  • Last Played T20I For England: Yet to play (ODI: July 12, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: None
  • Replaces Ben Stokes in the Test series and has been a fringe player for a while. Hope he receives more opportunities.

England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Fast Bowlers

  • Makes Team: Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood, Reece Topley
  • Out of Team: Jake Ball, Tymal Mills, Brydon Carse, Craig Overton

Spinners

34. Adil Rashid 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Style: Legbreak
  • T20Is: 62, Wickets: 65, Best: 4/35, Economy: 7.48
  • T20s: 195, Wickets: 222, Best: 4/19, Economy: 7.43
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No (needs to be picked though).
  • Hundred Team: Northern Superchargers, IPL Team: None
  • Approaching legendary status. Will be absolutely crucial for the World Cup.

35. Matt Parkinson 🟩

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad Style: Legbreak
  • T20Is: 4, Wickets: 6, Best: 4/47, Economy: 9.50
  • T20s: 63, Wickets: 99, Best: 4/9, Economy: 7.49
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 17, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Manchester Originals, IPL Team: None
  • Parkinson’s 4/9 against Birmingham Phoenix was a timely reminder of his abilities. Shane Warne thinks England should pencil him for the Ashes. In turning pitches of UAE, Rashid-Parkinson can be a deadly duo.

36. Mason Crane 🟥

  • Current Status: Out of Squad Style: Legbreak
  • T20Is: 2, Wickets: 1, Best: 1/38, Economy: 7.75
  • T20s: 51, Wickets: 59, Best: 3/15, Economy: 7.27
  • Last Played T20I For England: June 24, 2017 (Test: 7 January, 2018)
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: London Spirit, IPL Team: None
  • Has always been in conversation as a replacement spinner but with Rashid solidifying the limited overs spot, Dom Bess/Jack Leach receiving the vote of confidence, and Matt Parkinson’s rapid rise, Crane has not seen much of international cricket. Does not help that he his also a legspinner.
Embed from Getty Images

England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Spinners

  • Makes Team: Adil Rashid, Matt Parkinson
  • Out of Team: Mason Crane

Notable Exclusions

37-45. Liam Plunkett, George Garton, Danny Briggs, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson

*Since Jofra Archer is ruled out for the entire year, England still has 44 players to consider.

England XI

Based on Ben Stokes & Chris Woakes’ availability, this is my XI and England squad of 23. Eoin Morgan’s form is a concern, but doubt he will be dropped on the eve of the World Cup.

  1. Jason Roy
  2. Jos Buttler (WK/VC)
  3. Ben Stokes*
  4. Jonny Bairstow
  5. Eoin Morgan (C)
  6. Liam Livingstone
  7. Sam Curran
  8. Chris Jordan
  9. Mark Wood
  10. Adil Rashid
  11. Matt Parkinson

*doubtful

Squad: 12. Moeen Ali, 13. Dawid Malan, 14. Saqib Mahmood, 15. James Vince, 16. Tom Curran, 17. Tom Banton, 18. Sam Billings, 19. Chris Woakes, 20. Reece Topley, 21. David Willey, 22. Jake Ball/Brydon Carse, 23. Joe Root/Alex Hales

For #22-23, I am going with Carse-Root. Young X-factor, and the off-spin of Root.

August 5th Update: Initially Tom Curran did not make my 23, but since Jofra Archer is ruled out, I am putting Chris Jordan in the XI and Tom Curran in the 23.

Variations in the XI

  • In extra spin conditions, I would play Moeen Ali & Joe Root in the top order. Better players of spin and good bowling options as well.
  • On a flat high scoring pitch, a death bowler who can bat like Chris Jordan would be a good punt.
  • If swinging conditions are available, two out of Sam Curran, David Willey, and Chris Woakes could be considered.

If you like this content on England T20 World Cup Squad, please subscribe above for FREE and follow us on our social media accounts.

Follow us here if you are on Medium or Bloglovin‘.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 7/30/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

IPL 2021 Prediction Results: Did Anybody Get It Right?

IPL 2021 Prediction results time!

Unfortunately, IPL 2021 was cancelled due to the coronavirus. Here are the prediction results assuming the IPL does not get rescheduled this year.

Also Read: 5 Takeaways from IPL 2021, Pre-IPL 2021 Predictions

IPL 2021 Review

The Usual Suspects Disappoint

IPL 2021 prediction results were quite unusual this time around.

The usual contenders for the Orange and Purple caps – David Warner, Quinton de Kock, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, & Kagiso Rabada all had sub-par seasons. Even recent IPL specialists like Ishan Kishan & Suryakumar Yadav had seasons to forget. Nicholas Pooran probably had the worst of the lot.

The Year of the Surprise Package

This was the year of the ‘Surprise Package’—the rise of Avesh Khan & Chetan Sakariya, Moeen Ali 2.0, Harshal Patel’s dream season, the return of Glenn Maxwell, consistency in Sanju Samson & Prithvi Shaw, and even a 37-run over from the man who can do it all—Ravindra Jadeja.

Of course there are some things that never change. AB De Villiers & the Gayle Storm struck a couple of match-winning knocks without much match practice.

Finally, if we would have done a ‘Catch of the Season’ award, surely Ravi Bishnoi would have received it for his 2 classical running/diving catches.

IPL 2021 Prediction

Before the IPL began, we asked our Twitter followers to predict the IPL result and award winners with #BCDPredictions. Here were the categories:

  • #Champions
  • #Top4
  • #MVP
  • #OrangeCap
  • #PurpleCap
  • #FairPlay
  • #EmergingPlayer
  • #SurprisePackage
  • #BrokenDream

The Actual Results

Since half the games were not completed, we will consider multiple winners for each category if there were close contenders. (If we do not consider close calls, there actually very few correct answers).

Interestingly, there were zero predictions for Shikhar Dhawan & Harshal Patel, the orange & purple cap winners respectively.

So here is how things stacked at the halfway stage.

Note*: DC and PBKS played 8 games each, while other teams played only 7.

ChampionsDelhi Capitals (12 points, 8 games)
Chennai Super Kings (10 points, 7 games)
Top 4 DC, CSK, RCB, MI
Most Valuable Player
(Top 5)
Shikhar Dhawan
Ravindra Jadeja
Moeen Ali
Chris Morris
KL Rahul
Orange CapShikhar Dhawan – 380 runs/8 games(DC)
KL Rahul – 331 runs/ 7 games (PBKS)
Faf du Plessis – 320 runs/ 7 games (CSK)
Purple CapHarshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB)
Fairplay AwardPunjab Kings
Emerging PlayerChetan Sakariya
Avesh Khan
Surprise PackageHarshal Patel
Chahar Brothers
Prithvi Shaw
Moeen Ali
Glenn Maxwell actually doing well
Broken DreamIPL ends midway due to COVID
IPL 2021 Awards

And The Winner Is…

Alright, without further ado here are the actual results. Who was the closest?

Well let us find out.

AwardsChampions Top 4MVPOrange CapPurple CapFair PlayEmerging PlayerSurprise PackageBroken Dream
My Predictions
(1/12)
RCBRCB, PBKS, KKR, SRHNicholas Pooran ❌Jonny BairstowShardul ThakurRRAzharuddeenDan Christian MSD & Imran Tahir retire?
Aviral Rai
(5/12)
CSK ✅ SRH,MI, CSK & DCDavid WarnerVirat KohliBhuvneshwar KumarPBKS ✅Shahrukh KhanUthappaMS last IPL maybe
JustCricket
(3/12)
MIMI, DC, RCB, PK/RRBen StokesVirat
Kohli
Kagiso RabadaCSKSRK (PK)
Finn Allen
Sourabh Sanyal
(4/12)
MI/SRH
RCB, DC, MI, SRHVK/Rahul ✅ VK/WarnerBoom/KGRRPadikkalMarco JansenCSK not qualifying
Anand Abhirup
(2/12)
SRHMI, SRH, PBKS, KKRMarcus StoinisKL Rahul ✅ Bhuvneshwar KumarRRAbdul SamadFinn AllenMSD retires
Ganesh giri srt
(2/12)
SRHSRH, MI, PBKS, RCBBhuviWarnerRashidSRHSamadKedarMSD retire forever?
Mohd Shamir Ansari 
(2/12)
MIMI, RCB, KKR, SRHSuryakumar Yadav
Rohit SharmaRashid KhanKKRShahrukh KhanAndre RussellWill be CSK not making into top 4, second time in a row of IPL history.
The Hundred Report
(4/12)
MIDC, SRH, MI, CSKPantBairstowNortjePunjab
Riyan ParagShahrukh
RCB
Sourabh Negi 
(4/12)
CSK ✅ CSK, PBKS, DC, KKRA Russell/ R PantKL Rahul ✅ K RabadaCSKShahrukh Khan/M. AzharuddeenS ThakurMI not making hatrick of winning IPL
Vandit
(5/12)
MIMI, DC, PBKS, RRChris Morris

KL Rahul ✅ Rashid KhanCSKMarco Jansen/Avesh Khan
Yashasvi JaiswalMS Dhoni
Paras
(2/12)
KKRMI, KKR, SRH, RCBAndre RussellDavid WarnerBumrah / CumminsKKRPrasidh KrishnaAbdul SamadMSD, Tahir
Rohan Gulavani
(4/12)
DC ✅ MI, DC, SRH, RCBPantVirat KohliNortjeCSKAzharuddeen/Rajat
Meredith/ShahrukhRCB not crossing the line again
Kanishk
(4/12)
MIMI, DC, SRH, CSKPantWarnerBumrahCSKShah Rukh khanPrithvi Shaw ✅ RCB not qualifying
Nams
(1/12)
PBKSPBKS, KKR, MI, RRBumrahVirat KohliBumrahSRHFinn AllenLiam LivingstoneIyer
Priyam Desai
(4/12)
MIMI, CSK, DC, PBKSShubman GillKohli/KL Rahul ✅ SRHPriyam GargArjun Tendulkar
Arnab Bhattacharyya
(4/12)
DC ✅ MI, DC, KKR, SRHPantMayank AgarwalAshwinCSKShahrukh KhanShaw ✅ Zinta and her Team
Kickit Wicket
(3/12)
MIMI, SRH, PBSK, CSKBumrahRohitBumrahPBKS
PadikaalHardikMalan Flops
Xan
(4/12)
SRHMI, SRH, RR, CSKChris Morris
David WarnerRavichandran AshwinRRRuturaj GaikwadChetan Sakariya
Maxwell performs well
Mitsuha Miyamizu
(2/12)
RCBRCB , KKR , SRH/DC ,RR
ABDViratJamiesonRCBAbdul SamadKedhar Jadhav
Thala
 ϻⓐHέⓢ𝐡
(2/12)
RRMI, CSK, SRH, RR
Ben StokesQuinton de Kock
Jofra ArcherDCRavi BishnoiAbhishek Sharma
MSD retires
Scripturient
(4/12)
MIMI, CSK, KKR, SRHPantKohliNortje or BumrahPBKS
KishanShaw ✅ RR not qualifying (Lovely team this season)
Jimmy Ciego
(1/12)
KKRRR, PBKS, KKR, SRHNicholas Pooran ❌ StokesJhyePBKS
ShahrukhMalan
Dan
(2/12)
MISRH, MI, KKR, RR
Ben StokesKL Rahul ✅
Rashid KhanCSKParagShahrukh Khan
PBKS finish bottom
AVINASH YADAV 
(3/12)
RCBMI RCB KKR KXIPViratKL Rahul ✅ BhuviCSKMohd. AzharuddeenIshan Kishan
Delhi Capitals’ loss of Shreyas Iyer will be an impact
James McCaghrey
(5/12)
MIMI, DC, CSK, KKRChris Morris
David WarnerJasprit BumrahRRAzharuddeenMoeen Ali
Malan has a very poor IPL
 Shivam
(3/5)
RCBCSK, MI, RCB, SRH
Harrison
(3/5)
MIMI, SRH, RCB, DC
IPL 2021 Prediction

The Winners

The moment of truth….Drumroll please….WE HAVE A TIE!

  • 1st 🥇: Aviral Rai, James McCagrey, and Vandit (5/12) (Vandit was also the winner of the IPL 2020 Predictions)
  • 2nd🥈: Sourabh Sanyal, Sourabh Negi, Scripturient, The Hundred Report, Xan, Priyam Desai, Kanishk, Rohan Gulavani, and Arnab Bhattacharrya (4/12)
  • 3rd 🥉: Shivam & Harrison (3/5)

  • Honorable Mention: Jonny – “Hope it stays COVID safe most of all #IPL.”
  • The Anti Award goes to…Jimmy Ciego! His top 4 were RR (5), PBKS (6), KKR (7), and SRH (8) with Nicholas Pooran as the most valuable player. Oops… 😅 No worries. My predictions were a close second there.

Also Read: Nicholas Pooran – The Next Big Thing In World Cricket?

Conclusion

Sometimes, predictions go your way, and sometimes they do not. The important thing is to have fun and get a chance to interact with other cricket fans.

In all seriousness though, my thoughts and prayers with everyone going through the pandemic around the world, especially in India. Take care and stay safe.

Thank you all for participating in the IPL 2021 Prediction 😊 Until next time…

Comment below your favorite memories from this IPL, share with your friends, and subscribe below to receive email alerts when new articles come out!

Image Courtesy: Photo by Paula Schmidt from Pexels

5 Takeaways from IPL 2021

IPL 2021 has unfortunately been suspended ‘indefinitely’. Seemed inevitable—here are five takeaways from this tournament.

1. India’s Problem of Plenty At the Top for India, Questions Elsewhere

Virat Kohli announced during the India-England series that he & Rohit Sharma would open for the T20I World Cup. Ishan Kishan & Suryakumar Yadav also had stunning debuts, but IPL 2021 has changed the narrative.

Dhawan, Shaw, & KL Rahul are back in the reckoning with dominating performances while Agarwal signed off with a blazing 99*. Forms of Rohit-Kohli, Gill, Kishan, and SKY on the other hand? Concerning.

While India has plenty of options at the top, lower order looks unstable. Pandyas are horridly out of touch, Tewatia was a one-season wonder, and Karthik’s form is hot and cold. On the bowling front, Natarajan is injured, Varun and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have fitness issues, Kuldeep-Chahal are in the worst phases of their careers, and Sundar-Ashwin failed to make a mark. Only positives were the Chahar cousins, Harshal Patel, & Jadeja. Good finds in Sakariya & Avesh as well.

2. England Burnt Out, Hope for South Africa, Doubts for West Indies

England arrived in India with the goal of experiencing conditions that will help them lift the World T20 trophy. Fast forward two months, Stokes-Archer are injured & Morgan’s magic is missing—both as captain and with the bat. Apart from century in the final game, Buttler flattered to deceive, Currans were inconsistent, Woakes-Malan barely played, & Roy-Livingstone-Billings did not even get a chance. Only Moeen Ali & Bairstow had positive seasons.

With a busy home Test summer around the corner, England need to manage their players carefully. A case of severe burnout. 

South Africans, on the other hand, endured a resurgent campaign. Genius of AB De Villiers aside, forms of du Plessis, Morris, Miller, and even 42-year-old Tahir provides South Africa much needed hope. With Janneman Malan & Nortje in brilliant touch during the Pakistan series, the Proteas have a decent core of youth & experience.

Ngidi, Rabada, and QDK were not in top gear, but we all know what damage they can do.

Finally, West Indians witnessed high highs and low lows. Pollard played his best IPL innings, Hetmyer & Russell displayed their finishing potential, and Gayle produced a couple of match-winning performances as well. Yet much-hyped Pooran had one of the all-time worst IPL seasons—4 ducks & an average of 4.66. Not much of note from Allen, Holder, & Narine either.

3. Loyalty Is Temporary, Class Is Permanent

David Warner might only be considered a great modern-day Australian opener, but he is an absolute legend in the Indian Premier League.

Most fifties (50), third on list of centuries (4), and fifth highest run-scorer (5447), best for any foreign player. More importantly, he led Sunrisers Hyderabad to their only title in 2016 along with four qualifiers.

It took just 6 games, couple of unfortunate run-outs, a 110 strike-rate, and miscommunication with management to axe him. Expect Warner to don a jersey of another team next IPL.

Loyalty is fickle.

4. World T20 In Danger?

Unlike the successfully hosted IPL 2020, the way this edition ended was bit of a shame. IPL 2021 was supposed to be testing grounds to see if India can host the World T20 later this year. India failed.

UAE is the top contender to host the tournament, but multiple issues still to think about. IPL 2020 was in a strict bio-bubble with 8 teams involved. The World Cup will host 16 teams, and each team is allowed an extended squad of 23 players.

Man proposes COVID disposes.

5. Humanity Prevails

Jason Behrendorff had to be the most unfortunate cricketing story of IPL 2021.

Not picked in initial auction, called as a replacement for CSK, quarantined, and when he finally became eligible to play, the IPL was called off.

What’s worse? Australian government is not accepting their citizens (even jail threat), so the Australian contingent from the IPL must fly to Sri Lanka & Maldives until the travel ban ends.

Regardless, kudos to Behrendorff & earlier to Cummins for contributing to the COVID-19 emergency in India that set off a series of players donating to the cause.

Our thoughts and prayers with India and others suffering from the global pandemic.

Get well soon, world.

PBKS Vs DC – IPL 2021 Match 29 Review: Agarwal’s 99* In Vain As Capitals March On

PBKS Vs DC – IPL 2021 Match #29 Quick Review!

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: PBKS Vs DC Video Highlights

Toss: DC won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Umpires: Anil Chaudhary & Anil Dandekar

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Mumbai Indians won by 4 wickets.
  • Scores: PBKS 166-6 Vs DC 167-3
  • Player of the Match: Mayank Agarwal
  • Best Figures
    • Kagiso Rabada – 3/36
    • Harpreet Brar – 1/19 (3 overs)
  • Most Runs
    • Mayank Agarwal – 99* (58)
    • Shikhar Dhawan – 69* (47)

Moment of The Day: Chris Gayle’s Stump Goes Flying

  • After Kagiso Rabada’s consistent breakthrough IPL seasons, IPL 2021 has been a letdown so far. With Anrich Nortje on the bench, his position was under the scanner. Just 3 wickets in the last 5 games, he came back with a 3/36 today. My moment of the day was Rabada taking Gayle’s stump out with a full-toss after Gayle had dispatched Rabada for a six.
  • Mayank Agarwal was the batsman of IPL 2020 although he got injured halfway through. After his form dropped from Test cricket, he was not looking like his own. Even though he was among the runs this year, the ball-striking and strike rate was not up to par. As stand-in captain for KL Rahul, he was back to his absolute best. 99* (58) pushed PBKS to a competitive score of 166.

Honorable Mention: Hetmyer’s finishes it off in style – 16* (4) with 2 sixes

T20 World Cup Spotlight: Shaw, Shikhar Shoe-In for the 23-Member Squad?

Prithvi Shaw has been single-handedly dismantling the opposition within the powerplay, while Shikhar Dhawan has been killing the opposition softly. Together, they have formed a deadly combination, both in the top 4 of top run-getters.

  • Dhawan is the orange cap: 380 runs, 54.28 average, 134.27 strike rate.
  • Shaw: 308 runs, 38.50 average, 166.48 strike rate.

If the T20 World Cup happens, they should definitely make the squad now. The question is, do they make the XI? With Mumbai Indians trio Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar struggling for form, Dhawan-Shaw might be a wildcard opening entry rather than Sharma-Kohli. KL Rahul & Mayank Agarwal are the other options.

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Dawid Malan

  • Nicholas Pooran was finally dropped for Dawid Malan. Malan already scored higher than Pooran in his six games – but the strike rate was concerning. 26 (26) with a few good looking shots and singles, but was bogged down. Where do things stand for him?
  • Ravi Bishnoi has pulled some blinders and have had some good games with the ball. After Harpreet got Prithvi Shaw out and Steve Smith slow to get off, PBKS had a sniff. Shikhar Dhawan had other plans as he destroyed Bishnoi. Ended with figures of 4-0-42-0.
  • Wishing speedy recovery to KL Rahul who underwent appendicitis surgery.

The Big News: COVID Hits the IPL

KKR Vs RCB has been postponed due to positive tests for Varun Chakravarthy & Sandeep Warrier. In addition, CSK staff has also been hit.

I think it is time to shut the IPL for now. Players’ health is more important.

The BCCI is deliberating moving the entire rest of the IPL to Mumbai.

IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Shikhar Dhawan 380 runs (PBKS, 8 matches)
  • Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 7 matches)
TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Delhi Capitals 862012+0.547
2. Chennai Super Kings752010+1.263
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore 752010 -0.171
4. Mumbai Indians74308+ 0.062
5. Rajasthan Royals73406-0.190
6. Punjab Kings83506-0.368
7. Kolkata Knight Riders72504-0.494
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad71602-0.623
IPL 2021 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. Chennai Super Kings – CSK Preview
  2. Delhi Capitals – DC Preview
  3. Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR Preview
  4. Mumbai Indians – MI Preview
  5. Punjab Kings – PBKS Preview
  6. Rajasthan Royals – RR Preview
  7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB Preview
  8. Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH Preview

Copyright (2021: 4/12/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Home » IPL 2021

RR Vs SRH – IPL 2021 Match 28 Review: Jos Buttler’s Century Breaks Warner-Less SRH

RR Vs SRH – IPL 2021 Match #28 Quick Review!

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: RR Vs SRH Video Highlights

Toss: SRH won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

Umpires: Chettithody Shamshuddin & Chris Gaffaney

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Rajasthan Royals won by 55 runs
  • Scores: RR 220-3 Vs SRH 165-8
  • Player of the Match: Jos Buttler
  • Best Figures
    • Rashid Khan – 1/24
    • Mustafizur Rahman – 3/20
  • Most Runs
    • Jos Buttler – 124 (64)
    • Manish Pandey – 31 (20), Jonny Bairstow – 30 (21)

Moments of The Day: Buttler & Samson Make It Rajasthan’s Day

Here are my moments of today:

  • It is game 7, and Sanju Samson is still delivering good scores? Sanju Samson & consistency, well that is a good change. Since becoming the captain of the RR side, his batting seems more mature & calculated, taking more responsibility on himself. Following his epic 119, he followed it with low scores of 4, 1, & 21. However, he has come back with steady 42*, 42, & 48 (33) today. Does Samson have an upper hand against an out-of-form Suryakumar Yadav for a World T20 spot?
  • Jos Buttler had a David Warner-esque tournament before this game. A score of 49, 41, and 40 in the other 4 innings for a total of 130 runs in 6 matches. He started scratchy today and but accelerated after the halfway stage. Batting till the 19th over, he scored all around the ground in the flat Delhi pitch. His dancing shots at the end of the innings were truly special, taking RR from 111 in 13 overs to 220 by the 20th. In Buttler’s own words, “I can finally stop Alastair Cook telling me, ‘I’ve got one more T20 hundred than you.’ ”
  • Mustafizur Rahman is enjoying a second wind, taking 8 wickets so far. His wrist is finally back to the usual & pace is returning as well. After numerous injuries & inconsistency, I am glad he is finally back. Check out Jarrod Kimber’s brilliant analysis of his topsy-turvy career here.

Honorable Mention: Manish Pandey’s aggressive 31 (20); Riyan Parag & David Miller’s cameos; Rashid Khan opens the bowling and goes for 4-0-24-1 in high-scoring encounter

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: David Warner Gets Dropped

Alright I confess. At the end of last game, I suggested David Warner should get dropped for Jason Roy. Warner was indeed axed unceremoniously. However, instead of going with an aggressive Roy-Bairstow opening combination, they went with Mohammad Nabi.

  • The issue with that call is that Nabi was only given one over. It was at the backend of the innings when Buttler was only in a six-hitting mode and ended up conceding 21 runs.
  • At the beginning of the match, Abdul Samad was slotted to open. When the time came, Manish Pandey walked in (although he did well), and Shankar-Jadhav batted at 4-5. With Nabi at 6 (quickfire 17 off 6) and Samad at 7, they were never going to chase 220. Should have been sent earlier. There are too many voices in the SRH dugout.
  • Kane Williamson himself had an uncharacteristically off-day with a 21-ball 20.
  • Rashid Khan’s batting form is a concern. 3 ducks and a 17 in four outings now.

Warner was a total team-man throughout the game, supporting the team from the boundary right through the game. IPL legend.

IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Shikhar Dhawan 380 runs (PBKS, 8 matches)
  • Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 7 matches)
TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Delhi Capitals 862012+0.547
2. Chennai Super Kings752010+1.263
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore 752010 -0.171
4. Mumbai Indians74308+ 0.062
5. Rajasthan Royals73406-0.190
6. Punjab Kings83506-0.368
7. Kolkata Knight Riders72504-0.494
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad71602-0.623
IPL 2021 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. Chennai Super Kings – CSK Preview
  2. Delhi Capitals – DC Preview
  3. Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR Preview
  4. Mumbai Indians – MI Preview
  5. Punjab Kings – PBKS Preview
  6. Rajasthan Royals – RR Preview
  7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB Preview
  8. Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH Preview

Copyright (2021: 4/12/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Home » IPL 2021

Image Courtesy: David Warner by Naparazzi via CC by SA-2.0

CSK Vs MI- IPL 2021 Match 27 Review: Pollard Powers Resurgent MI to Memorable Chase

CSK Vs MI – IPL 2021 Match #27 Quick Review! What a Game! Pollard Power to the Fore! The best game of IPL 2021 so far.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: CSK Vs MI Video Highlights

Toss: MI won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

Umpires: KN Ananthapadmanabhan & Nandan

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Mumbai Indians won by 4 wickets.
  • Scores: CSK 218-4 Vs MI 219-6
  • Player of the Match: Kieron Pollard
  • Best Figures
    • Kieron Pollard – 2/12
    • Sam Curran – 3/34
  • Most Runs
    • Ambati Rayudu – 72* (27)
    • Kieron Pollard – 87* (34)

Moments of The Day: Rayudu’s Hitting & Pollard’s Epic All-Round Show

Here are my moments of today:

  • Faf du Plessis-Moeen Ali’s consistency at the top drives CSK. After Ruturaj departed for 4, onus was on Faf-Moeen to repeat what they have done all-tournament, and they did not disappoint. Aggressive 108 partnership in 61 balls, with both amassing fifties set the tone for the carnage to follow.
  • Ambati Rayudu’s free-flowing nature gets CSK past 200. Rayudu’s career has perhaps been the greatest Broken Dream in recent Indian cricket. At an ODI overage of 47.05 with 3 centuries & 10 fifties, it is a shame he only played 55 ODIs and was dropped at the eve of the 2019 World Cup. 2004 India U-19 member, in-and-out of the international team, run-ins with the management, the Indian Cricket League stint—he has seen it all, but this innings was the most fluent I have ever seen him play. He had a really good IPL as an opener a couple of seasons back, and this 72* (27) in the middle order showed his versatility. 7 sixes, 4 fours, 102* (49) partnership where ‘finisher’ Jadeja ended with 22* (22). Brilliant.
  • Pollard can do no wrong. When Faf & Moeen were galloping along, Pollard was given the ball in the 11th over. He delivered right away with medium-pace dibbly-dobblies, taking back-to-back wickets of du Plessis & Suresh Raina. When Pollard came in to bat, Mumbai Indians still needed 138 in 62 balls. After getting an eye in, he was just 3 (5). In came Jadeja, Pollard smashed 3 sixes in 4 balls and never looked back.

Definitely one of the best IPL all-round shows of all-time.

Honorable Mention: Hardik Pandya’s cameo with back-to-back sixes brings MI closer; Sam Curran almost brings CSK back into the game with yorkers at the death; Quinton de Kock-Rohit Sharma set 71-run opening partnership for MI

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Du Plessis Drops Catch, What?

There are two ways at looking at this game: 1. Brilliant game between the two best sides of the IPL that added another classic to its memories; 2. Good game, but CSK’s faults gave Pollard and co enough opportunity to bounce back. Here are chances CSK gave away.

  • Sam Curran has just delivered a 2-run/wicket over in the 17th and Chennai are back in it. Shardul Thakur gives up a couple of boundaries but CSK hold the upper-hand with 34 needed in 14. Thakur bowls, Pollard swipes, Faf runs in and drops it. Straight through his fingers. 2 runs taken. Pollard still alive. The game changing moment.
  • Shardul Thakur & Lungi Ngidi’s expensive figures gives MI the advantage. Thakur finished with 4-0-56-1 while Ngidi ended with 4-0-62-0, including the full-toss filled last over.
  • Why did the field not come in with 2 needed in 1 ball? Usually in a close game, some time is taken and field is brought it before the last ball, but completely opposite in this case. Would not have mattered given how Pollard was batting, but this was just too easy for him.
  • Suresh Raina’s IPL is going downhill after the 54 in the opening game. He has scored 69 runs at 17.25 in the other 5 matches he had a bat.

IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Shikhar Dhawan 380 runs (PBKS, 8 matches)
  • Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 7 matches)
TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Delhi Capitals 862012+0.547
2. Chennai Super Kings752010+1.263
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore 752010 -0.171
4. Mumbai Indians74308+ 0.062
5. Rajasthan Royals73406-0.190
6. Punjab Kings83506-0.368
7. Kolkata Knight Riders72504-0.494
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad71602-0.623
IPL 2021 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. Chennai Super Kings – CSK Preview
  2. Delhi Capitals – DC Preview
  3. Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR Preview
  4. Mumbai Indians – MI Preview
  5. Punjab Kings – PBKS Preview
  6. Rajasthan Royals – RR Preview
  7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB Preview
  8. Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH Preview

Copyright (2021: 4/12/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Home » IPL 2021