With the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE at our doorstep, each team will be looking to incorporate an amazing individual who can win them games from the lion’s mouth. Over the years we have seen several players being the X-Factor for their team. Each team that has grabbed the T20 trophy has always had this special player. Andre Russel and Samuel Badree in 2016 for the West Indies, Yuvraj Singh in 2007 for India, and Malinga in 2014 for Sri Lanka. Here is a look at the X-factor star that every participating nation in the top 8 teams has: –
1) Dawid Malan is X-Factor for England: –
Dawid Malan is an X-Factor for England Cricket Team. Malan has the experience of playing T20 cricket all over the globe. Dawid Malan is currently ranked number 1 in the ICC T20 Batsmen Rankings list. He is one player who has the experience of playing everywhere but is not exposed to many teams. Many teams have not played against Dawid and hence they are not aware of his potential. He is supremely explosive and can take on the spinners. He can change the game in a matter of a few overs.
2) Hardik Pandya/ Varun Chakravarthy is X-Factor for India: –
India has two X-Factor players. One is Hardik Pandya while the other is Varun Chakravarthy. If Varun Chakravarthy stands up to his potential and can get through his injuries, he is a game-changer. His 4 overs can prove vital for the course of the game. With the likes of Rahul Chahar and Ravi Ashwin to his aid, he can form a lethal combination. Hardik Pandya on the other hand is the X-Factor with the bat. We have seen his potential when he scored 91 of 34 balls in the 2019 IPL season. Though he is not contributing with the bat he is more than an asset.
3) Haider Ali is X-Factor for Pakistan: –
Haider Ali, the Pakistani batsman, regarded as the Pakistani Rohit Sharma is expected to be the X-Factor for Pakistan. Legend Wasim Akram has gone on record to say that Haider Ali can turn games on their heads in favor of Pakistan. He can open the batting and can also work as a pinch hitter to increase a scoring rate. The right-handed batsman has a good strike rate against spinners as well and will be handy to tackle spin in the initial powerplay overs. With the likes of Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik to his aid, he can be expressive. He can take on the bowlers while others can anchor the innings.
4) Lockie Ferguson is X-Factor for New Zealand: –
Lockie Ferguson is one of the most underrated bowlers of recent times. He was the one who carried Kolkata Knight Riders to the finals of the Indian Premier League this season. Lockie Ferguson wouldn’t have got a chance if Pat Cummins had played the IPL. But in his absence, Lockie Ferguson proved his mettle to the fullest. He is a supremely quick bowler clocking 145+ kmph for consecutive deliveries. He bowls pinpoint yorkers and have a superquick bouncer. His bowling is very intimidating.
5) Anrich Nortje is X-Factor for South Africa: –
Anrich Nortje and his fast-bowling abilities are rather lesser-known to the world. Nortje has proved his skill set in the IPL for over two years. He has formed a formidable bowling pair with Kagiso Rabada and the duo bowls over 145 clicks regularly. With the virtue of this unbreakable pace battery, the Delhi Capitals progressed to the playoffs for 3 consecutive seasons. He has a good yorker and can swing the ball early on in the innings. His full-fledged capabilities are yet to be known by the world but his skillset has what it takes to be the best.
6) Mitchell Marsh is X-Factor for Australia: –
Mitchell Marsh is a supremely good player. He is the replacement for Shane Watson that Australia was searching for over the years. He bats at number 3 for Australia and can give in a handy 2 to 3 overs. Since the past year, Mitchell Marsh has dominated franchise cricket. Although Marsh did not play the Indian Premier League but played for Australia against Bangladesh. He was the leading run-scorer in the series against West Indies and Bangla Tigers. Glenn Maxwell has called Mitchell Marsh a “Key Asset” for the team.
7) Entire West Indies Squad is X-Factor: –
Jokes aside, the entire West Indies team is something that every opposition must be very scared of. The team has players that can change the course of the game in one over! From Chris Gayle, the Universe Boss to Muscle Russell. From Nicholas Pooran to Kieron Pollard, you name them all. West Indies is a team filled with match winners. Their players have the experience of playing freelance cricket in every league. Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard are the most experienced T20 players in the world. The team in its entirety can send chills down your spine!
8) Rashid Khan is X-Factor for Afghanistan: –
Afghanistan is also one team that has good players. But one can never ignore the fact that Rashid Khan is the face of Afghani Cricket. Rashid Khan has dominated T20 leagues all over the world since 2015. He has been unreadable because of his quick action. Rashid Khan’s 4 overs are what every opposition will be scared to face.