Over the eight editions of the ICC T20 World Cup, several cricketing legends have showcased their skill and mastery in this global tournament. These greats won trophies and took the sport to the next level. Celebrating these legends, SportsTiger looks at five of the greatest players to play in the T20 World Cup over its 17-year history.
5 Greatest players to play in T20 World Cups
MS Dhoni
Winning captain of the inaugural T20 World Cup, MS Dhoni has been one of the greatest cricketers India has produced in its history. MSD was a young 25-year-old, who had just established himself in the Indian team, when he was named the captain and then leading a young team, he created history. The great strategist we describe Dhoni now was in full effect then as he announced himself on the world stage. Though MSD hasn’t won a title since, he has given fans countless moments to enjoy like his last-ball run-out in the 2016 edition has been etched in our memories.
Mahela Jayawardene
From one fantastic captain to another, Mahela Jayawardene ended Sri Lanka’s 18-year World Cup drought as he led the Lankan Lions to their first title in 2014. Alongside his incredible captaincy skills, Jayawardene brought his prolific, elegant and classy batting in the T20 World Cup as well. Across his 31 innings, Mahela Jayawardene is the second-highest run-scorer with 1016 runs at an average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 134.74.
Shahid Afridi
Continuing the trend of Asian cricketing royalties, Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi makes the list with magical all-round abilities. Afridi was pivotal in the Pakistani 2009 T20 World Cup triumph as the eighth-highest run-scorer and fifth-highest wicket-taker in that edition. Then in the final against Pakistan, Afridi scored an unbeaten 54 and picked up figures of 1-20 to help his side lift the trophy. He then continued as a prolific all-rounder as Afridi ended his career with 546 runs and 39 wickets (2nd most) in T20 World Cup history.
Chris Gayle
Arguably the greatest T20 batter in cricketing history, Chris Gayle showcased his prolific run-scoring ability to the fullest in the T20 World Cups and helped the West Indies win two titles. Over the eight editions of the tournament, Gayle is the third-highest run-scorer with 965 runs at a 34.46 average and a strike rate of 142.75. The Universe Boss can also be credited for launching the T20 World Cup as he smashed a century in the first-ever match in the tournament’s history.
Virat Kohli
Probably the best batter of this generation, Virat Kohli makes the list for his consistent ability to score runs and win his team games from near-impossible situations. Kohli is the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history with his 1141 runs in 25 innings at a staggering average of 81.50 and a strike rate 131.30. He also played one of the best knocks in tournament history as he scored 82* against Pakistan in the previous edition and stunningly took India home.