In a big tournament like the World Cup, it is essential for teams to have a joker in their pack. A player who is an unknown quantity. The player who has the ability to surprise the opposition. MS Dhoni’s appointment as T20I captain ahead of the 2007 World Cup was one such surprise.
He was fresh in his mindset and had an unorthodox approach to the game. It helped India win the inaugural World Cup. There are many shining examples like Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 1992 World Cup, and Sanath Jayasuriya in the 1996 World Cup.
Similarly, we look at 5 uncapped Players Who Could Be X-Factor For T20 World Cup 2022
#5 Rahul Tripathi
The 31-year-old Rahul Tripathi has certainly grown in stature in the last two years. He has consistently scored for both KKR in 2021 and SRH in 2022. Tripathi fits the number 3 position beautifully. He changes the tempo of the game without opponents taking note. Tripathi is excellent against spin and crafty against pace. He uses pace to manoeuvre the ball in gaps. International sides don’t know much about Tripathi. He could use the factor to his advantage.
#4 Tilak Varma
He was one name on whom Mumbai Indians banked heavily this season. Tilak Varma became the first MI uncapped batsman to score over 400 runs in a season. Varma has shown equal prowess against pace and spin. He has a calm head around his shoulders. Varma can bowl a couple of useful overs too. He is a complete T20 package at the moment. Varma can surprise opponents with his talent on the big stage.
#3 Rajat Patidar
He had a breakthrough IPL season this year. Rajat Patidar showed his range despite not playing the full season. He became the first uncapped batsman to score a century in the playoffs. Patidar owned the number 3 spot. In a team that features Virat Kohli, that in itself was a big statement. He averages 40+ and strikes at 144+ in the IPL. Patidar continued his stellar form in the domestic circuit. In the true wickets of Australia, he can pack a mighty punch.
#2 Mohsin Khan
He is at a fairly nascent stage of his cricket career. Mohsin Khan was one of the finds of the IPL this season. He used his tall frame to extract disconcerting bounce on unresponsive wickets. His left-arm angle troubled most batters including star batsmen. He was one bowler whom the batters found most difficult to get away with.
Khan’s bowling strike rate and average were identical (14). He conceded runs at less than 6 runs per over. Khan has another dimension to him as a cricketer. He can hit big in the end overs (strike rate 143.8). This is one area where he can score over other potential contenders.
#1 Rahul Tewatia
He has come of age as a cricketer in the last three years. Rahul Tewatia has been a domestic workhorse. But he found his moment under the sun in a crunch moment in IPL 2020. He turned around his fortune in a matter of minutes. Tewatia since then has been mighty consistent with the bat especially. He won many games for his new franchise, Gujarat Titans this season. Tewatia can be a solid finisher as he doesn’t have any apparent weakness against pace and spin.
