With the T20 cricket World Cup just a couple of days away, sports enthusiasts and cricket pundits have highlighted five promising young talents expected to make a major impact in this edition:
Tilak Varma (India)
The explosive left-handed batsman has already made a strong impression in his short international career. At 23, Tilak averages 49.29 in 40 T20Is to date, including two centuries. Experts believe he could play a crucial role in India’s campaign as one of the tournament favourites. He rose to prominence in the Indian Premier League before earning his debut against the West Indies in 2023.
Cooper Connolly (Australia)
Australia’s rising all-rounder made his debut in 2024 and has since cemented his place in the regular T20I side. He became the youngest Australian to take an ODI five-wicket haul against South Africa. Connolly is likely to play his first T20 World Cup match against Ireland on Wednesday.
Jacob Bethell (England)
The stylish left-handed batsman impressed with his elegant stroke play and solid technique during the recent Ashes series against Australia, where he scored 167 runs. Bethell can handle both pace and spin effectively, unlike many England batsmen, and is also a part-time spinner, giving England much-needed flexibility in the shorter format.
Kwena Maphaka (South Africa)
The teenage left-arm pace sensation is raring to make his mark at the T20 World Cup. He adds extra firepower to the Proteas pace attack alongside Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi. At just 19, he made his T20I debut against the West Indies in 2024 and became South Africa’s youngest Test debutant at 18 years and 270 days. Coach Shukri Conrad has described Maphaka as having the “X-factor” in T20 cricket due to his age-defying pace and skill.
Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan)
Although already established in international cricket, the 21-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner is another one to watch out for. He is part of Afghanistan’s world-class spin attack led by captain Rashid Khan. Noor had a breakthrough 2023 IPL season with the Gujarat Titans and was signed by five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings for $1.19 million last year. Playing under MS Dhoni’s leadership at CSK has further sharpened his game in Indian conditions.
Also read: Cricketers of Indian descent all set to make a mark in T20 WC
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