Team management of all teams are becoming ruthless when it comes to team selections. Reputation as a factor is still considered but recent form and team combination is given more preference. In line with this, we could see some major changes happen with respect to most teams after the ongoing T20 World Cup. All teams will undergo some sort of transition and the focus will be on the 2024 T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA. On that note, here, we take a look at five popular players who could be dropped if they don’t do well in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
1) Martin Guptill (New Zealand)
A special moment for two former @aucklandcricket Aces teammates at the @scg. @glenndominic159 receiving a commemorative tankard to mark his 50th T20I for NZ from the team's most capped T20I player, @Martyguptill. #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/nS8vMJZvKe
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 22, 2022
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Martin Guptill is one of the popular players who could be dropped if they don’t do well in the 2022 T20 World Cup. It seems the management has already made the first move towards this. With Martin Guptill in the squad, he was sidelined for the team’s opening match against Australia in the 2022 T20 WC. His replacement Finn Allen had a terrific day and it would not be a surprise if Guptill does not play in this edition.
The right-hander has an average of close to 20 while the strike rate is just about 120 in 2022. These are poor stats and considering his age and Finn Allen‘s form, Guptill might altogether lose his place in the team.
2) Mitchell Starc (Australia)
Mitchell Starc’s economy was 9 in 2021 while it is 8 in 2022. He often leaks runs and is not effective in the powerplay, like he was in the past.
Moreover, with important Test and ODI tournaments coming up, Australia might want to preserve him. This will also be an opportunity for players like Daniel Sams and Jason Behrendorff to have a consistent run in the team. Therefore, Starc could lose his place in the setup, especially if he has a bad tournament.
3) Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India)
The Indian pacer has had a terrific year in T20Is in 2022. He has picked 32 wickets till now. There is a possibility that he would break some more records by the end of the year.
However, even if Bhuvi has an average tournament, his place could be in trouble. Deepak Chahar seems to be an upgrade over him, especially considering the player’s batting skills. In terms of impact in the powerplay, both players appear similar. Therefore, the Uttar Pradesh pacer features on this list.
4) Temba Bavuma (South Africa)
Temba Bavuma is also one of the popular players who could be dropped if they don’t do well in the 2022 T20 World Cup. The South African skipper has had a difficult year till now. In seven games, he has managed just 35 runs at that too at a strike rate of 82.
While T20 teams may not include players of this profile, South Africa has Bavuma leading the squad. Unless the player brings out something special at the 2022 T20 WC, it is likely that the Proteas could bring in someone like Keshav Maharaj as skipper and draft Dewald Brevis into the squad.
5) Yuzvendra Chahal (India)
Countdown Begins 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/CfntgVoCVV
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) October 18, 2022
Yuzvendra Chahal has also had a great run in 2022. However, his performance under pressure has been disappointing. Also, his wicket-taking strategy still relies on defeating the batter when he goes for a big shot. This tactic could be risky.
Moreover, Ravi Bishnoi is waiting on the bench and is in good form. There is a new crop of young spinners who are also waiting for their chances. While Chahal will still be backed, a poor show in the 2022 T20 WC could lead to his axing in T20Is.
