With the World Cup beginning in fewer than two weeks, the excitement is slowly but surely gathering. This World Cup boasts a plethora of superstars who are ready to set the World Cup alight and lead their team to ultimate glory. This World Cup is quite different in many ways, considering the new regulations that have been implemented in recent times. These matches will be played at breakneck levels of speed and intensity, interwoven with skill and craft and patience. So all in all, we are certainly in for a feast over the next two months. There are certain players before every World Cup that are earmarked as prospective stars of that World Cup. Going by that, here are five batsmen whom I think are the ones to look out for.
Steve Smith
This man has been stellar over the last 12 months. The last six to eight weeks in particular have been truly memorable for him. He has been Australia’s best player for a while now in all formats of the game and in the absence of regular captain Michael Clarke, he has been handed the reins for a temporary period and boy, hasn’t he taken Captaincy and the responsibility that comes along with it, just like a fish takes to water? His dazzling form and finesse will certainly make him one of the best players to look forward to watching, and if Australia are to triumph in their own backyard, the recipient of the Allan Border medal winner has a crucial role to play.
AB De Villiers
Does this man even need an introduction? The most complete batsman in the world at the moment, he seems to be breaking records for fun. Without even a small cringe, I can tell you that de Villiers will be an absolute legend, if he’s not already. The recent demolition of the West Indies bowling attack, where he played an astonishing innings and scored 149 off just a mere 44 deliveries, saw him break the record for fastest century in ODI cricket, reaching his 100 in just 31 balls, a record previously held by Corey Anderson. He is leading the strong South African cog and will have a massive role to play, if they are to win their first ever World Cup.
Virat Kohli
Coming off the back of a splendid test series with the bat against Australia, much will be expected of him. He is definitely up there with the likes of Amla and De Villiers and has proven so many times that he is India’s best batsman. With a brilliant ODI record and having scored centuries all over the world, do not be surprised if he turns out to be the best batsman of this World Cup. Having been handed full time Test captaincy, post Dhoni’s retirement, he has shown that he is no stranger to pressure and certainly relishes it. His performance levels become superior when the situation demands and he will be the most important player in India’s bid to defend the title.
Kane Williamson
Likeable, gifted, highly-skilled, unassuming, reverential, obdurate and improving, Williamson epitomizes everything this New Zealand team hopes to be, and in fact, is already becoming that. Just like New Zealand, who have made giant strides in the last 18 months or so, Williamson’s rise has been meteoric too. He has been tagged as a potential future captain and every single time, he certainly backs up all the praise he receives with some spectacular displays. He has been in brilliant form against Pakistan in the UAE as well as against Sri Lanka. Brendon McCullum recently claimed that Williamson could be New Zealand’s greatest batsman ever, and so far there is no reason to think otherwise. This World Cup is being held in their own backyard, and one would certainly back Kane Williamson to come good.
Joe Root
A cherubic figure, with a cheeky grin that gets even cheekier whenever a bowler scorches his unhaired face, Root could still pass for a teenager. The purity of Root’s stroke play marks him out as one of the most handsome batsmen to have played for England at any time. He is a special talent and his performances have spoken more for him than anything else. His patience and stubbornness at the crease had Geoffrey Boycott gushing that he reminded him of himself .That is probably the greatest compliment he will ever receive and his plaudits will continue if he shines in the World Cup.
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