OneCricket's T20I team of 2022: Who make the cut?

Jos Buttler led England to their second WC title [Source: Twitter]

At the stroke of midnight, the world will bid adieu to the year 2022. Just like its predecessors, this year provided cricket fans across the globe with plenty of nail-biting encounters. 

If we talk about the shortest format, Australia hosted the much-anticipated T20 World Cup, with their Ashes rivals England lifting the coveted trophy, courtesy of a magnificent team effort. 

As 2022 is set to mark its conclusion, let's analyse and form the T20I team of the year. 

Openers: Jos Buttler and Mohammad Rizwan

Jos Buttler and Mohammad Rizwan had a dream run in T20Is this year. While England captain Buttler hammered 462 runs at a blistering strike rate of 160.41, Rizwan showed incredible consistency, slamming 996 runs at a fabulous average of 45.27. Additionally, as Buttler led England to their second T20 World Cup title, he is chosen as the captain of our T20 side. 

Number 3: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli after India's win against Pakistan in the WC

There shouldn't be any question regarding the most ideal pick for this position. Virat Kohli, who was having a torrid time with the bat prior to this year, broke his century drought in the Asia Cup 2022. 

Regarded as India's run-machine, Kohli had a memorable World Cup Down Under, slamming 296 runs at a phenomenal average of 98.67 and a marvellous strike rate of 136.41. 

His most notable knock came in India's opening World Cup clash against Pakistan, as he ensured a memorable victory for his side, smashing a sensational 53-ball 82*. 

Middle Order: Surya Kumar Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Hardik Pandya and Sikandar Raza

Suryakumar Yadav had a stellar year in T20Is

India's Mr 360, Suryakumar Yadav finished the year as the top-scorer in T20Is, garnering 1164 runs, including two centuries, at an average of 46.56 and an insane strike rate of 187.43. 

Besides bailing India out of trouble on a spicy Perth pitch against South Africa, Suryakumar played two belligerent knocks that helped India decimate Zimbabwe and Netherlands in the T20 World Cup. 

Similarly, Glenn Phillips showcased his hard-hitting prowess to perfection, scoring 716 runs at a marvellous strike rate of 156.33. His heroics helped New Zealand reach the semifinal in the T20 World Cup. 

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya and Sikandar Raza surely go down as the two top all-rounders of the year. 

While Raza emerged as the fifth-highest run scorer in T20Is this year (735 runs, avg: 35, SR: 150.92), Pandya proved his worth as an able finisher, slamming 607 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 145.91. 

Raza and Pandya proved their mettle with the ball as well, scalping 25 and 20 wickets, respectively. 

Spinner: Wanindu Hasaranga

The Sri Lankan spin sensation had a stellar 2022, as he claimed 34 wickets in 19 innings at a superb strike rate of 12.7. More importantly, he emerged as the most successful bowler in the T20 World Cup Down Under, scalping 15 wickets at a surreal economy of 6.41. 

Seamers: Sam Curran, Arshdeep Singh and Haris Rauf

Sam Curran was the player of the series in the T20 WC

English seam bowling all-rounder Sam Curran played the most significant role in their triumphant World Cup campaign, scalping 13 wickets in six matches. Furthermore, his economy read a mere 6.52, despite bowling primarily in the death overs. Overall, Curran was England's most successful bowler in 2022, claiming 25 wickets, including a fifer, in 19 appearances. 

Arshdeep Singh and Haris Rauf also enjoyed remarkable success in T20Is this year. While Arshdeep emerged as India's trump card, picking 33 wickets at a magnificent strike rate of 13.3, Rauf finished the year as Pakistan's most successful seamer, scalping 31 wickets in 23 outings. 

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