2014 World Twenty20: Five batsmen to watch out : <b>AB de Villiers, South Africa</b>

Introduction

The biggest event in the slam-bang version of the game –- ICC World Twenty20 -- is about to kick-off from March 16 in Bangladesh.

Let’s find out who are the top five batsmen to watch out for in the fifth edition of the event.

Glenn Maxwell, Australia

Lower middle-order batsman, Maxwell has the ability to launch the ball into the orbit from the word go. Even if the chips are down, it hardly matters to him as he always goes for his shots.

The Victoria batsman has shown in the past that he can give even the best of the bowling attacks a tough time. The 25-year-old right hander has a wide array of shots in his arsenal. Even if he stays at crease for a brief period, he makes it count. Improvisation is his biggest asset.

Be it fast bowlers or spinners he can smash them all over the park. He is more than handy off-spinner as well and can bowl some quick overs. Apart from being an all-rounder, he is an electric fielder too. In this edition, he can come out as a triumph card for the Aussies.

Yuvraj Singh, India

A true match-winner in both the limited over formats, Yuvraj can play a big role for India in the tournament. Though he has not been in the best of forms, the southpaw is a typical Twenty-20 cricketer. If he gets going then it’s almost next to impossible to stop him.

Even the best of the bowlers find it difficult to bowl at him when he starts middling the ball. The 32-year-old has a golden opportunity to make his place in the ODI team by playing few good knocks in the World Twenty20.

Known for his comebacks at international level, Yuvraj is a big match player as well. His slow left-arm spin bowling can also play a crucial role in the slow tracks of Bangladesh.

Shahid Afridi, Pakistan

He has been in excellent form with the bat and has played few match-winning knocks for his team in the recently concluded Asia Cup. An unpredictable batsman, Afridi can change the course of the game single-handily with his power-hitting.

Well known for his big hits, the 34-year-old young cricketer is an important cog in the Pakistani set-up. As a bowler, he has got a handful of tricks up his sleeves.

At times his `quicker one` can surprise the best of the batsmen in the world. With the kind of experience he has under his belt, he would be a crucial member of the team.

Chris Gayle, West Indies

A brutal hitter of the cricket ball and undoubtedly the most dangerous opener in the shortest format of the game, Gayle is a nightmare for any bowler. When on song, the left-hander can destroy the career of any world class bowler.

He even scored a century in T20 International – in the inaugural World Twenty20 against South Africa. As West Indies are the defending champions, one can expect that the 34-year-old from Jamaica to perform.

Gayle played a crucial role in making his team a World Twenty20 champion in 2012. Besides being a hard-hitting batsman, Gayle can bowl some economical overs as well by using his dead-straight yorkers.

AB de Villiers, South Africa

AB is one of the finest players in the contemporary cricket and possibly the most complete cricketer as well. The Pretoria-born wicket-keeper batsman can give any bowler in the world a run for his money.

He has a wide range of shots in his arsenal and can destroy any bowling line up with consummate ease. Improvisation in his batting is one of the key factors. Currently, he is probably the most creative batsman in the world.

Unlike his contemporaries, who resorted to slogging to score quick runs, AB hardly slogs. A world-class wicket-keeper and fielder, AB can easily fit into any batting position. And it`s always a pleasure to watch this sublime cricketer in full flow.

Chaitan Papnai