One of the most exciting formats of the cricket game is T20 and it has really grown into an important stature. The game has even spawned its own set of players – T20 specialists, as they’re called who can adhere to the slam-bang format and play accordingly. Here are 7 specialists:
Chris Gayle:
Though Gayle was a formidable ODI and decent Test player, it is in T20 that he cemented his legacy as one of the most destructive batsmen in history. The West Indian was the first to smash more than 10,000 runs in T20 runs and currently plies his trade as a freelance T20 batsman in multiple leagues around the world.
Sunil Narine:
Another West Indian for hire, Sunil Narine rose to prominence as a brilliant T20 bowler during his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise.
Now out of the ODI squad but a mainstay of the T20s, Narine has the ability to stifle batsmen and force them to make mistakes thanks to his economical and mysterious bowling style. He is also a handy top-order batsman who can score from the word, go.
Glenn Maxwell:
Though he is part of the other setups, Maxwell is at his dangerous best when he’s batting in the T20 format. The Australian is a clean hitter of the ball and needs no invitation to smash. He has destroyed oppositions the world over with his hitting and is a modern great of the T20 game.
Ashish Nehra:
The veteran Indian fast-bowler is enjoying a renaissance of sorts over the past few years thanks to the shortest format of the game. He has re-invented himself as a bowler who can provide initial breakthroughs in the first few overs.
After being dropped, Nehra forced his way back into the T20 setup with excellent performances in the IPL. He is now regarded as an experienced head who can stay disciplined despite the pressure.
Lasith Malinga:
Malinga long retired from the Test game in order to keep himself fresh for the shorter formats and it seems to have paid off. After performing exceptionally in ODIs, Malinga bought another edge to his game with the T20 format and is adjudged to be one of the best T20 bowlers of all time.
The slinger is world famous now for his slow ball variation and deadly Yorkers that have claimed multiple victims over the years.
Tymal Mills:
The English fast bowler is another one who can bring the goods in the shorter format of the game. He was good in the series against India that helped him find a place in the RCB setup for the IPL.
Mills is a good bowler with decent temperament and an ability to swing the ball. He is known for containing batsmen and picking up important wickets at crucial stages.
Suresh Raina:
Though Raina has had a very good ODI career, winning the World Cup and Champions Trophy for India, he is at his lethal best in T20s. The highest scorer in the history of the IPL, Raina made himself a household name thanks to his stint in the Indian T20 league.
He is also the first Indian batsman to have ever hit a century in the format and can take down any opposition on a good day.
