Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has revealed his top five T20I players for 2024, with 2024 T20 World Cup winner Rohit Sharma leading the list. Aakash Chopra has named two players each from India, England and one from Australia in his top five T20I players for the current calendar year.
Rohit Sharma helped the Men in Blue end their ICC Trophy drought by defeating South Africa in the final. The right-handed batsman is the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament with 257 runs from eight innings at an average of 36.71 and an impressive strike rate of 156.71, with a best score of 92.
We believe in karma We believe in Rohit Sharma – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra set a benchmark of at least 10 innings while selecting the best T20I players. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra picked Rohit Sharma as the No. 1 batsman in the T20I. He highlighted Rohit Sharma's impressive record and consistent aggressive play in difficult World Cup conditions.
“We believe in karma, we believe in Sharma, yes Rohit Sharma,” Chopra said. Every over and playing with power, he is the No. 1 T20I batsman for 2024.”
Phil Salt has batted very well – Aakash Chopra
England's Aakash Chopra has named Phil Salt as the second best T20I batsman of 2024. Sanju Samson has taken the third spot due to his exceptional recent form, having scored three centuries, including back-to-back braces against Bangladesh and South Africa.
“At number two, I kept Phil Salt. He batted very well. In 17 matches, he scored 467 runs, which include a century and two half-centuries, at an average of nearly 39 and a strike rate of 164.” He hit 25 sixes and 44 fours.”
“At number three is Sanju Samson. He has scored three centuries and two straight doubles. He demolished Bangladesh on debut in Hyderabad and then went and demolished South Africa and he played only 13 matches and scored 436 runs at an average of 43 and a strike rate of 180,” Chopra explained.
Sanju Samson has been in fantastic form this year. He scored 111 runs off 47 balls in the final T20I against Bangladesh, followed by a 107-run knock in the first T20I against South Africa and an unbeaten 109 at the end of the series. Samson is expected to play in the upcoming white-ball series against England.
The school principal who gives us headaches, Travis Head – Akash Chopra
Chopra listed Travis Head among his top five T20I batsmen. He completed the list with Jos Buttler in fifth place. Chopra also gave honorable mentions to Reza Hendricks, Ebrahim Zadran and Pathum Nissanka. He also acknowledged Finn Allen, whose 137-run knock was the highest T20I score of the year.
“In fourth place, we have our enemy and the headmaster who gives us headaches – Travis Head. In fifth place, I have retained Jos Buttler,” Chopra said.
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