T20 World Cup 2022: 5 marquee players who might fail 


Five days; yes, we are only five days away from the start of the most-awaited T20 World Cup. Sixteen top teams of the world will battle it out Down Under for the decorated trophy. 

Some riveting battles will be on show, with the spectators hoping for magical performances from the marquee players. However, some star players might not have a great World Cup campaign this time. Let's find them out.


5. Glenn Maxwell

image-l92m5d9kGlenn Maxwell in an Ind vs Aus game [PC: AP Newsroom]


Whenever he gets going, Maxwell is a sight to behold for any avid cricket fan. Besides being an exceptional spin-hitter, Maxwell is excellent against medium pacers. But the recent form of the 'Big Show' has become a matter of concern for Australia. 

In his last seven T20I outings, Maxwell has managed 43 runs at an average of 6.14. His bowling form, too, has dipped, as he has scalped only two wickets in these seven games. 

His poor form is what ascertains his entry into this list. But considering his potential and experience, we shouldn't rule out the chances of Maxwell setting the World Cup on fire with his extraordinary stroke-play. 


4. Yuzvendra Chahal

image-l92o259wYuzvendra Chahal [PC: AP Newsroom]


Chahal's omission from the previous World Cup stirred a massive furore worldwide. Soon, The wily leg-spinner stormed his way back to India's T20 side and again stamped his authority on the international stage.

But his bowling form has dipped recently, as he has picked only six wickets at an ordinary economy of 8.34 since the Asia Cup 2022. 

Moreover, whether Chahal will make it into India's playing XI is a big question. As Ravindra Jadeja isn't available, India might go with a deep batting line-up; so Ravichandran Ashwin might get the nod ahead of Chahal. Also, with Axar Patel in the team for the right-handers, the Indian think tank might prefer Ashwin to counter the left-handers.


3. Nicholas Pooran

Like Maxwell and Chahal, Nicholas Pooran has also been struggling with his batting form. 

The swashbuckling southpaw has scored only 101 runs at a mediocre average of 11.22 in his last nine T20I innings, with a strike rate of just around 122. 

Pooran recently had miserable outings in the T20I series against Australia. Additionally, the bowlers will try to exploit his weakness against high-pace hit-the-deck bowling on spicy Australian surfaces. Considering these facts, I honestly don't expect significant returns from the West Indies captain in the World Cup. 


2. Ben Stokes

Despite being a superstar in Tests and ODIs, Ben Stokes hasn't been able to crack the cheat code to succeed in T20Is. 

In an eleven-year-long T20I career, Stokes has amassed 451 runs in 35 outings at an ordinary average of 19.61. Additionally, he hadn't played a single T20I since February last year till yesterday's encounter against Australia. 

Also, there are lots of questions regarding his batting position. England can't drop proven performers Dawid Malan, Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali to accommodate Stokes. So, he will likely be used as a floater. And looking at his poor record and lack of game time, I doubt he will come up with impactful performances with the bat in the mega event. 


1.Shaheen Shah Afridi

You might be surprised to see this name on this list. But mind you, the players always need some time to regain their rhythm after recovering from injuries. 

Shaheen is definitely a magnificent operator of the leather, but he has missed a lot of cricket in a crucial time. So, I feel he will find it slightly challenging to get his rhythm straightaway in the World Cup.

Additionally, Pakistan will play their three games in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, where the fast bowlers won't get much help off the surface. So, the thing which will work wonders for Shaheen is his swing. But it will be interesting to see how long it takes him to find the ideal line and length in Australia. If he takes more time than expected, he might not have a fruitful World Cup this year.


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