World Cup: Batsmen to watch out for

No! this list won’t include Sachin or Ponting, they are the stalwarts. This is about the less-known guys who can make it big during world cup; who have capability to perform at the biggest stage.

1)       Kane Williamson: He has just one century in 11 ODI matches until now but the kind of patience and strokes he has showed during his debut test century against India proves his mettle.

2)       Adrian Barath: He caught the eye of Brian Lara as a 11-year old when batting in the nets and has developed to become one of the most exciting batsmen from West Indies. He has just played five ODIs but has already become the youngest West Indian to score a Test-match century. Much is expected from this attacking opener (From Cricinfo)

3)       Chamara Kapugedra: It’s a surprise entry, isnt it? But this highly talented batsman is one of the most under-rated batsmen. He is one guy, who can clear the rope easily as well as play a patient knock. Playing in home conditions would surely help him perform better.

4)       Umar Akmal: In very short span of time, he has turned out to be one of the pillars of Pakistani batting. His exploits in the world cup would be very keenly followed. I won’t be over-estimating if I say that Pakistan’s chances of reaching semi-finals depend heavily on how Umar Akmal performs at the matches.

5)       Johan Botha: I have intentionally included Botha as batsman in this list. Everybody will be looking forward to him to lead South African spin bowling attack but one must not forget his batting credentials. There is every possibility that South African will remain loyal to their ‘Chokers’ tag. Their top-order do fail under pressure but this is the guy who has capability to build South African inning from there on and salvage South Africans from further agony in world cups.  

6)       Yusuf Pathan: I must include his name in this list. He has been off-late batting wonderfully but I strongly believe that he is yet to receive due recognition from his countrymen. His brother received lot of adulation from people but same is not the case about Yusuf and almost everybody counts him as one strong hitter who is perfect for T-20 cricket. I will include him in Indian cricket team for his bowling abilities also. On Indian wickets, he will ball much better than Yuvi or Raina.

7)       Tamim Iqbal: In Bangladesh Squad everybody recognizes Shakib and truly he is one of the best all-rounders around but explosive batsman Tamim Iqbal has capability to turn games on his own. I would love to call him Sehwag of Bangladeshi squad. At very young age of 21 years, he has been made the vice-captain of Bangladeshi squad.

8)       Steven Smith: This Australian if comes out of his hip injury can play very constructive role in Aussie challenge. A very stable batsman down the order and good googly bowler is a potent combination on sub-continental wickets.

9)       Eoin Morgan: The man in form. He has been performing consistently for England. Very under-estimated cricketer. He is capable of building English inning in case of top order failure. With his medium pace bowling, he brings in good option for English think-tank.