Events like the T20 World Cup are a perfect platform for new talents to emerge, and this year is no different. We have set our eyes on several new names who we believe are worth watching closely.
As the second most popular sport after soccer, expectations from big cricket championships are high. Some will say the T20 World Cup is not as “valuable” as the ODI WC because it happens almost every year, but we don’t see it that way. If anything, T20 allows young talents to gain valuable international experience.
This year, the tournament was expanded from 16 to 20 teams, which means we’ll have more young talents to keep an eye on. Fans are not the only ones who are interested in emerging talents, of course. Scouts, managers and even punters placing a bet on BetMGM and online sportsbook platforms want to know who is worth following. Hopefully, this list will be a good starting point, even though we can’t include every emerging talent out there.
Will Jacks from England
Will Jacks is averaging 33 with a strike rate of 175. His exploits with Royal Challengers Bengaluru were, of course, something to talk about, but England now finds themselves leaning on him as they chase yet another T20 World Cup. His 57 runs in two matches against Pakistan proved he’s an emerging talent worth watching closely this championship. Jacks will bat at the one-down spot and is expected to bring stability in England’s efforts for a third T20 World Cup win.
Matheesha Pathirana from Sri Lanka
When you’re watching Pathirana play, it’s hard not to be reminded of Lasith Malinga. Those low, fast balls are certainly his style. So far, Pathirana seems like a promising candidate to become Sri Lanka’s main bowler one day, and he is working hard to earn this title. So far, he has 18 international games for Sri Lanka behind him, and 28 wickets. We’re happy to see him in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and enjoying his slings.
Yashasvi Jaiswal from India
This name shouldn’t be a surprise because Jaiswal has been considered India’s biggest young talent for some time now. He has proven himself several times already, but he’s expected to really shine during this World Cup.
Born in Uttar Pradesh but, crucially, raised on the unforgiving Mumbai maidans, Jaiswal’s journey is film-worthy and a classic rags-to-riches tale. Plus, Jaiswal is left-handed, which in sports immediately gives an aura of mystery.
Before his international debut, he managed to score more than 500 runs in 17 matches. Rohit Sharma is expected to be the number-one batter, but we’re also expecting to see a good portion of runs coming off Jaiswal’s bat as well.
Rishad Hossain from Bangladesh
Those who only follow international cricket might have not heard about Hossain, and that’s unfortunate. This 21-year-old from Rangpur is building a reputation for himself. He has taken 15 wickets in 17 T20s. Although that may not seem noteworthy on the surface, if you look at the economy rate of 7, it makes Hossain a special player. Bangladesh is counting on Hossain and other young talents to help them get to the knockout stages.
Saim Ayub from Pakistan
Saim is another left-handed batter on this list and plays for Pakistan. So far, he’s spent more time watching than batting, due in no small part to the golden duo of Babar and Rizwan. However, thanks to his great performance for Guyana Amazon Warriors, with whom he won the T20 Caribbean Premier League 2023, Ayub is expected to bring the same magic to the national team. If given the opportunity, he may be the much-needed left in the left-right opening combo with Babar.
Dewald Brevis from South Africa
Brevis is also known as “Baby AB”, a name well-earned because he resembles AB de Villiers in terms of style and technique. Although it is unfortunate that de Villiers retired so early, we can still enjoy watching Brevis, one of the most promising emerging talents in the T20 World Cup. His explosive batting at the top of the order and ability to clear the boundaries make him a key player for South Africa.