ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024: Top 5 all-rounders to watch out. Andre Russell and Mitchell Marsh among the top 5 all-rounders.
As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, the role of all-rounders become increasingly vital. These players bring balance, flexibility and explosive potential to their teams, making them game-changers on any given day. Here's a look at five influential all-rounders—Andre Russell, Shivam Dube, Will Jacks, Mitchell Marsh, and Shadab Khan—and their recent performances in various T20 leagues and what they offer to their national teams.
Andre Russell (West Indies)
Andre Russell, the West Indies powerhouse, is synonymous with T20 cricket. In IPL 2024, playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he amassed 222 runs at an average of 31.71 with a strike rate of 185.00. His bowling contributed significantly with 15 wickets, showcasing his all-round capabilities. In the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023, Russell was instrumental for Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), scoring 145 runs at a strike rate of 161.11 and picking up 11 wickets.
Russell's international performances are equally impressive. In the T20I series against Australia, he scored 109 runs in just three innings at an average of 36.33 with a massive strike rate of 231.91. His 71-run innings off 29 balls in the final T20I of the series was a masterclass in power hitting. He also picked up three wickets in the series, highlighting his dual-threat capability.
Russell's explosive batting and death-over bowling are crucial for the West Indies. His ability to clear the boundary with ease and bowl crucial overs makes him a valuable asset. As the T20 World Cup 2024 nears, Russell's experience and match-winning prowess will be pivotal for the West Indies, especially in high-pressure situations.
Shivam Dube (India)
Shivam Dube has emerged as a significant all-rounder in the IPL. In the 2024 season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he scored 396 runs at an average of 36.00 and a strike rate of 162.30. While his bowling opportunities were limited, Dube's ability to hit big sixes has been noteworthy. In domestic T20 leagues, he continues to be a valuable middle-order batter and a handy medium-pacer.
Before the IPL, Dube hit 10 fours and five sixes in his unbeaten 101 off 95 balls against Assam in a Ranji Trophy game. He also took a four-wicket haul against Bihar. In the T20I series against Afghanistan, Dube scored 124 runs at an average of 124 and a strike rate of 158.97, while also picking up two wickets in seven overs, albeit at a high economy rate.
For India, Dube adds depth to the batting lineup and offers a useful bowling option. His power-hitting ability in the lower-middle order can turn games around in the death overs. As India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2024, Dube’s role as a finisher and a part-time bowler will be crucial in providing balance to the team.
Will Jacks (England)
Will Jacks has made a name for himself in the T20 circuit with his explosive batting and off-spin bowling. Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2024, he scored 230 runs at an average of 32.86 and a strike rate of 175.57, including a century against Gujarat Titans (GT). His performance in The Hundred for Oval Invincibles saw him accumulate 227 runs at a strike rate of 154.4, along with 5 wickets.
In the SA20 league, Jacks scored 245 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 180.19, including a 41-ball century. Jacks is a dynamic player for England, providing flexibility at the top order with his aggressive batting. His off-spin bowling offers an additional option, making him a valuable all-rounder. With the T20 World Cup 2024 on the horizon, Jacks' ability to perform under pressure and his dual skills will be key assets for England.
Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
Mitchell Marsh, the Australia captain, didn't have a great IPL 2024 season for Delhi Capitals (DC). He played only four games, managing to score just 61 runs at an average of 15.25 and a strike rate of 160.53. He leaked runs at an economy rate of 12.88 and picked only one wicket in the eight overs he bowled this season. However, Marsh has been a proven performer for Australia, especially in T20Is, which justifies his selection as captain over Pat Cummins.
Marsh’s robust batting and effective seam bowling are critical for Australia. His ability to anchor the innings or accelerate as required, coupled with his knack for breaking partnerships with the ball, makes him indispensable. As Australia gears up for the T20 World Cup 2024, Marsh's all-round capabilities will be central to their success.
Read More: T20 WC 2024: Top 5 bowlers to watch out for
Shadab Khan (Pakistan)
Shadab Khan has been a standout performer in various T20 leagues. In the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, representing Islamabad United, he scored 305 runs at a strike rate of 142.5 and took 14 wickets in 12 matches, helping his side clinch the PSL trophy for the second time.
In the five-match T20I series against New Zealand at home, Shadab had decent outings with the bat, scoring 61 runs in three innings at an average of 31.50 and a strike rate of 190.90. The leg-spinner also managed to pick three wickets in as many games, with an impressive economy rate of 6.75.
For Pakistan, Shadab is a key all-rounder, offering leg-spin bowling and aggressive batting. His fielding skills add an extra dimension to his game. As Pakistan looks ahead to the T20 World Cup 2024, Shadab’s versatility and leadership on the field will be crucial in guiding the team through challenging matches.
Each of these all-rounders—Andre Russell, Shivam Dube, Will Jacks, Mitchell Marsh, and Shadab Khan—brings a unique set of skills and an X-factor to their respective teams. Their recent performances in franchise leagues highlight their match-winning abilities. As the T20 World Cup 2024 looms closer, their contributions will be pivotal in shaping the outcomes for their national teams, making them players to watch out for in the tournament.