With the twenty20 World Cup coming up in ten months, all teams have started preparing for the cut-throat competition. The IPL in April-May will test each player before the selectors pick the best lot for the tournament in Australia.
However the core players have more or less been decided and the team management will want these cricketers to practice well, before representing the country at such a big stage. Some players have already justified their case whereas some have failed miserably. Following is the list of the worst T20 XI of 2019-
1) Jonny Bairstow (wk)
2) Fakhar Zaman
3) Kusal Mendis
4) Sarfaraz Ahmed (c)
5) Khaleel Ahmed
6) Shoaib Malik
7) Rishabh Pant
8) Kuldeep Yadav
9) Mohammed Nabi
10) Kagiso Rabada
11) Mustafizur Rahman
1) Jonny Bairstow:
The English wicketkeeper made an explosive opener for the national side in 2018. His variety of shots and fluent stroke play made him a regular in England’s 20 over squad but now that Baristow’s form has dipped significantly, he is no less than a liability for the national side.
He has managed only 207 runs in 7 innings with a disappointing average of 29.7 and only one-half century.
2) Fakhar Zaman:
The 29-year-old started his limited-overs career as Pakistan’s mainstay opener. His heroics in the 2017 Champions Trophy finals against India was a knock of a lifetime. But even after having a decent t20 run in 2018, Fakhar has lost his touch this year and has failed to provide a strong foundation to the innings at several instances.
In 8 innings (2019) Zaman has scored only 50 runs at a poor average of 6.2.
3) Kusal Mendis:
This right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman had always been under criticism for his inconsistency with the bat and gloves. Kusal has had many opportunities but barring a fifty, he has looked very scratchy. Sri Lankan cricket looks to improve their rankings in all formats but an ordinary show from an experienced batsman like Kusal buries all hopes.
In the 130 deliveries Kusal faced this year, he was able to score only 130 runs, an average of 17.5 in 8 matches.
4) Sarfaraz Ahmed:
The former Pakistan skipper’s form has been similar to Pakistan’s twenty20 team’s struggle. Both have failed to repeat their 2018 brilliance in 2019. Sarfaraz has also been sacked as the captain first due to his racist remarks and then owing to the team’s losing streak.
During the 3 innings he batted this year, Sarfaraz scored only 67 runs at an average of 22.3 (Strike rate- 108.1).
5) Khaleel Ahmed:
The only reason Khaleel features in this list is his extremely inconsistent bowling. The left-handed bowler had to be an asset to the team but has proven the selectors otherwise. His bowling has become very predictable and mediocre with time.
Khaleel has claimed 20 wickets this year but failed to deliver in crucial situations.
6) Shoaib Malik:
The 37-year-old hasn’t played in lines with his reputation as a dependable batsman. He played his last t20 in January this year and seemed uncomfortable facing each delivery. His horrible World Cup campaign was just a reflection of his terrible form.
In the 3 innings he has batted, Malik has scored only 51 runs and 49 of those came in a single match.
7) Rishabh Pant:
The 22-year-old has made headlines for a long time owing to his poor and irresponsible cricket this year. Pant has had ample chances to prove his worth, but he has failed almost every time. Rishabh’s recent 33* against West Indies will surely render some confidence but a lot more is expected out of this wicketkeeper-batsman.
The Delhi batsman has managed only 242 runs in 14 outings for India.
8) Kuldeep Yadav:
Another Indian with potential in this list. Kuldeep’s chinaman bowling has been the reason for India’s success in the past two years but his form just faded during the IPL this year. The World Cup witnessed a quality leg spinner desperately looking for wickets and returning empty-handed.
Kuldeep’s absence has affected the team combinations and the management will surely look to bring this expert back.
9) Mohammad Nabi:
The Afghan spinners had the biggest batsman go down to their knees in the IPL but the off spinner’s form has depleted considerably when compared with Rashid Khan. His batting stays the way it was but the Afghanistan team requires a top-class bowler now.
Except for one game where Nabi’s figures were more than impressive (16/1), the off-spinner has failed to stop runs and create breakthroughs.
10) Kagiso Rabada:
Probably Rabada is the most glamorous name in this list. The South African spearhead has had many poor outings with the white ball this year. He has failed to inspire the young South African attack.
Rabada’s economy rate in this format is about 9.55 runs per over. He has only claimed 4 wickets.
11) Mustafizur Rahman:
The Bangladesh pacer had the entire cricket fraternity woo over his variations in 2017. He struggled to maintain the reputation in 2018 and finally lost the swing he was famous for. Mustafizur has been Bangladesh’s leading bowler but hasn’t produced any special figures.
In the 24.4 overs, he has bowled this year, Rahman has claimed only 4 wickets at an expensive economy rate of 8.55 runs per over.
