Top T20 Team of the Year 2022: A Precise Analysis

As an avid cricket fan, every year is an opportunity to evaluate the best of the best. In 2022, my T20 team of the year is crafted with the most notable performers from both domestic and international competitions. Here's a detailed look at the strategy and rationale behind choosing this lineup.

Opening Batsmen: Jos Buttler and Alex Hales

Jos Buttler and Alex Hales would be my opening batsmen. Both are aggressive and have the experience of playing together in major tournaments. Their partnership was a significant factor in their respective team's success, especially in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Buttler, as the captain, brings leadership and the ability to set the tone for the innings, while Hales provides a strong foundation with his powerful strokeplay and ability to clear the boundary.

Middle Order Batsmen

For the middle order, I have selected Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Glenn Phillips. They were among the most consistent performers in the T20 format in 2022. Virat Kohli, the quintessential middle-order batter, has been a cornerstone of the Indian team in recent years. Suryakumar Yadav, despite being primarily known for his T20 prowess, showed extraordinary form, especially in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Glenn Phillips, though he struggled with form, still offers immense quality and can adapt to various situations.

All-Rounders

Hardik Pandya and Sikandar Raza are my all-rounders. Hardik stepped up as a bowler after returning from injury, showcasing his versatility. Sikandar Raza, despite being out of his preferred positions, offers excellent batting and bowling. Both were instrumental during the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Bowling Lineup

The bowling lineup is made up of Wanindu Hasaranga, Joshua Little, Harris Rauf, and Arshdeep Singh. Wanindu Hasaranga is dependable in the middle overs and can bat a bit if needed. Joshua Little had a fantastic year as a bowler and performed exceptionally well in the 2022 T20 World Cup, especially against India and New Zealand. Harris Rauf is versatile, excelling in middle and death overs. Arshdeep Singh will bowl in the Powerplay (PP) overs, with his new ball bowling being extremely effective.

A Personal Note

I am a huge fan of Virat Kohli from 2013 and have been supporting Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since 2015. 2016 was a golden year for every RCB fan, and the team's victory was celebrated with double the excitement. Virat's four hundreds and his status as the leading run maker, 973 runs, in the 2022 season made his performances legendary. Chris Gayle's destructive batting in the final, and Kohli's iconic innings against Gujarat Lions, made the 2022 final a memorable moment. In the subsequent years, the team faced challenges, such as injuries to Virat and Rahul, and poor performance from Timmals Mills. However, in 2021, the team had a remarkable year, particularly with Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and the Maxi 2021 series. 2022 was a year of immense support for RCB, regardless of the outcome. Missing AB de Villiers is a significant void, but the team's spirit remains undeterred.

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