10 batsmen who could light up World T20

Chris Gayle, Ravindra Jadeja and Brendon McCullum are among the batsmen who could light up the World Twenty20 championship with their big-hitting on the flat pitches of Bangladesh.

With the fifth edition of the tournament commencing on Sunday, Rediff.com presents the Top 10 batsmen to watch out for.

Chris Gayle, West Indies

The tall Jamaican is dreaded for his big-hitting ability. No boundary is big enough for the left-handed opener and even his mis-hits often land in the stands.

In recent times, Gayle has been more watchful during the initial overs, signalling his intent to bat long and launch into the slower bowlers in the middle overs.

Gayle smashed the first century in Twenty20 Internationals against host South Africa in the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007 and can upset the opponent's gameplan.

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Brendon McCullum, New Zealand

The New Zealand captain’s T20 exploits are well-documented.

He is the highest run-scorer in Twenty20 International cricket with a strike rate of nearly 140!

He also holds the record for being is the first and only player to have scored two Twenty20 International centuries.

His recent good run with the bat against India in the recently-concluded series makes him a serious contender for top-scorer of the tournament.

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David Warner, Australia

A stocky left-handed opener who can single-handedly win a match for his team.

Whenever the diminutive southpaw has batted deep, Australia have invariably posted imposing totals.

Warner boasts of a strike rate of 138 in Twenty20 Internationals and can clear the boundary at will.

A feisty cricketer though not always in control of his emotions, Warner seems to be finally at peace with himself.

Also an excellent fielder, the 27-year-old will head to the tournament in rich vein of form after highly successful Test series against Australia and South Africa.

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Virat Kohli, India

One of world's most exciting young talents, the 25-year-old right-hander has become India's most dependable batsman in recent times.

His aggression and youthful exuberance reflect in the way he bats.

Kohli can score fast without looking ugly and can pace his innings according to the game's demand.

A smart runner between the wicket and a sweet timer of the ball, his brilliant fielding is an asset to a team not really known for its agility.

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Shahid Afridi, Pakistan

On his day, he can single-handedly turn a match on its head!

Batting lower down the order Afridi can tear into the opposition bowling whatever be the match-situation.

For almost 17-years now he is Pakistan’s go-to-guy when runs are needed in bulk.

Even Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has said that he needs a fit Afridi if Pakistan have to win the title.

Afridi has been in good form, having been instrumental in taking Pakistan to the Asia Cup final last week. 

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AB de Villiers, South Africa

The talented middle-order batsman has the ability to adapt to any situation and can effortlessly shift batting gears, which makes him an indispensable part of the South African team.

When in flow, De Villiers is a nightmare for any bowler because of his knack to improvise. It can upset any field setting.

The 30-year-old, South Africa's best batsman currently, also dons the gloves, which affords his side more balance.

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Tillakaratne Dilshan, Sri Lanka

Another dasher at the top of the order, the right-hander was the highest run-getter in the 2009 World Twenty20 in England, where Sri Lanka finished runners-up to Pakistan.

His famous 'Dilscoop', a shot he plays to send the ball soaring over the wicketkeeper's head, underlines his ability to improvise and makes him a batsman hard to contain.

Dilshan can also pierce the field with his flowing off-drives and is an useful off-spinner with the ball in the middle overs.

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Corey Anderson

This young New Zealander burst into the international scene when he blasted his way to scoring the quickest One-Day International century ever (36 balls) against the West Indies in December.

Anderson broke the record long held by Shahid Afridi.

The hard-hitting all-rounder will be one good bet to fire-up New Zealand’s batting in the T20 competition.

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Ravindra Jadeja, India 

This exciting all-rounder has grown to be become a mature cricketer with time.

But it is his ability to bring alive a dead match which has lent him, albeit, sarcastically, the pet name 'Sir' among his fans.

His batting is noteworthy in T20s. With a strike rate of 84, Jadeja can give fans a lot to cheer about when he wields his magic with the bat.

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George Bailey, Australia

One of the rare instances of a player being named captain on international debut, the Tasmanian has proved every one right with their choice.

He has been consistent in the One-Day format and scored his first century as captain versus India in October last year - 156 off 114 balls.

He is clean striker who can change the course of a match in a matter of overs.