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By Syed Ahsan Ali

Power-hitting and impact-making bizarre version of the Twenty20 game will set the centre stage with the fire starting from the 11th of this month. So from now on we will look at the possible superstars of this keenly awaited inaugural championship in South Africa. Today we look at the chances of West Indian Chris Gayle and New Zealander Jacob Oram.

The Power Train: He is big, he is strong and he is as capable of embellishing this version of the game with his belligerence as any body else can. Yeah, Chris Gayle looks to be the most suitable player for this form of the game from the Caribbean Islands where even in a blink a game can change its course. He has everything that is required to be successful in this mini version of the sport. Converting the good balls into boundary balls on the sheer basis of his unmatched strength behind his shot making definitely ranks him to be in the top slot of players who are bound to make it haywire in South Africa. Along with fierce cuts and pulls with forceful drives, he has the uncanny knack of picking precious wickets with his flat and penetrative off spin.

West Indies definitely needs someone as inspirational as Gayle to put a good show in the tournament after their disappointing English summer. Not only in his own side but looking at all other international teams, he is one player who can create havoc in the opposition ranks in a very short stay at the crease. Gayle has to prove his worth in this tailor made version for him after a lackluster World Cup 2007 where the host nation and cricket fans all around the world felt dejected over his failure.

Tallest cricket around: The tallest cricketer around is just one little piece of his introduction. You can add fiercest hitter around, smartest medium-pacer around and quickest fielder around despite his big frame with Jacob Oram’s intro. He is a Gentle of a giant but at the same time the toughest opponent on the field. His imposing show stopping exhibitions in last year or so had impressed all and sundry especially after pushing the World Champions Australia to the wall before the start of the World Cup 2007. Bucket like hands and amazing agility in his own bowling make him a dream man for any captain to have in the line-up. His lively medium pace and awkward short of length stuff usually force batsmen to go for undesirable shot selection. But his biggest asset must be his lower order hitting that usually set colossal scores on the board. He definitely looks far more assured and lethal against faster bowlers, but extraordinarily big reach of his also gives him an edge against slower bowlers. Mixture of all the right ingredients for this thriller of a concept of T20, Oram has to deliver for his team to make an impact in major tournament.

Before 11th of September, we will look at other possible show-stealers as well. You can send your own player who you think will make real impact in T20 Championship.

 

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