WI vs AUS: Top 5 IPL superstars to watch out for in the West Indies vs Australia T20 series- Australia will take on West Indies in what promises to be a pulsating limited-overs series, starting off with five T20Is. The series will serve as necessary preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, with Australia and West Indies looking to settle on playing combinations and fill up gaps in their squad. Ahead of the WI vs AUS 1st T20I, Insidesport.co looks at the top IPL 2021 stars who could make a mark in the series.
Also Read: WI vs AUS: Top 5 IPL superstars to watch out for in the West Indies vs Australia T20 series
WI vs AUS: Pollard, Russell, Christian; Which of IPL’s foreign stars could shine in the upcoming T20I series?
WI vs AUS: Top 5 IPL superstars- Andre Russell
Andre Russell is one of the most destructive batsmen in the world and will be a key part of West Indies’ plans against Australia and in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The all-rounder struggled for form and fitness during the Phase One of IPL 2021, but Kolkata Knight Riders will hope that their superstar can return to his peak form. The West Indian is an asset to any team he features and will surely be hoping to get into rhythm make a mark in the series against Australia
WI vs AUS: Top 5 IPL superstars – Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard led Mumbai Indians to an unlikely win over arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in the final match before the IPL 2021 was suspended. The captain of the West Indies T20 outfit, Pollard is the fulcrum operating in the middle order that holds the side together and is perhaps the most bankable asset in their side. A T20 legend, expect Kieron Pollard to lit up the T20 series against Australia starting this week.
WI vs AUS: Top 5 IPL superstars – Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood did not play much in IPL 2021 and had to compete with Dwayne Bravo and Lungi Ngidi for a spot in the side. However, the Australian remains an effective new ball bowler and is known to keep runs in check with his tight line and length. The series against West Indies is crucial for the fast bowler considering the immense competition for places in the side, with the likes of Kane Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc all competing for perhaps just two places in the XI.
WI vs AUS: Top 5 IPL superstars – Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran had a horror IPL 2021, but the West Indies left-hander is expected to excel in national colours. A hard-hitting middle-order batsman, the onus will be on Pooran to accelerate and help his team achieve and set targets. The wicket-keeper is also the vice-captain of the side showcasing the trust WICB have in his abilities and Pooran will hope to bank on the faith and showcase his talents against Australia.
Also Read: WI vs AUS: Shimron Hetmyer, Sheldon Cottrell returns to West Indies ODI squad against Australia
WI vs AUS: Top 5 IPL superstars – Daniel Christian
Daniel Christian has won nine T20 titles in his journeyman career, but achieving an international comeback perhaps will trump those accolades. An ageless cricketer, Christian has evolved with the game and developed into a fine finisher, something Australia are desperately craving for in their side. Coupled with his ability to bowl overs at any stage of the game, Christian could well turn out to be a valuable asset and might keep out the likes of Mitchell Marsh and Ashton Turner out of the side. Christian featured sporadically for RCB in IPL 2021, but gave a decent account of himself in the limited opportunities he received.