5 Allrounders who are expected to dominate PSL 2

A couple of all-rounders are necessary for any T20 franchise to succeed in a major league because of the key difference an all-rounder can make with a quick-fire cameo or a crucial breakthrough and even with a few economical overs is incomparable. PSL teams acknowledging the importance of this class of players have signed some of the biggest names in present day cricket. Former South African cricketer Jacques Kallis is hailed as one of the greatest all-rounders in world cricket. Several top all-rounders like Chris Morris, Andre Morris, Shakib Al Hasan, Kieron Pollard, and Corey Anderson have emerged over the years in the T20 format. The second season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will also see some exciting allrounders take field. 1. Shakib Al Hasan (Peshawar Zalmi) Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan. (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images) The 29-year-old is rated as one of the most exciting and effective allrounders in the format. His performances have earned him a lot of accolades from fans and experts alike. Shakib is considered the greatest cricketer to have played for Bangladesh and also one of the best all-rounders in world cricket having earned the best ranking in every format over the years. His slow left-arm orthodox – accurate bowling which has earned praise from Ravichandran Ashwin can strangle any batsman and force him to concede his wicket. Shakib’s ability to smash the ball to all parts of the ground and even stabilise the innings with a mature knock in the case of early breakthroughs makes his overall profile extremely impressive. Shakib is a part of the Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL this season and will be expected to deliver consistent performances under Darren Sammy’s captaincy. Also read- 5 Foreign cricketers to watch out for in the PSL 2 2. Dwayne Smith (Islamabad United) Dwayne Smith. Photo by Randy Brooks/Sportsfile The 33-year-old Barbados-born Dwayne Smith is considered one of the top all-rounders currently in the format. His ability to smash the ball from the onset has earned him comparisons with Brendon McCullum and many deem him as one of the most underrated batsmen in world cricket. Smith is also extremely effective as a bowler and can earn crucial breakthroughs for his side with his subtle variations. He formed a formidable partnership for Gujarat Lions in the IPL with McCullum at the top of the order which left bowlers running helter-skelter. Sharjeel Khan is hailed as one of the most talented batsmen in Pakistan cricket and has drawn comparisons to Shahid Afridi because of his aggressive attitude. Smith will be expected to form a similar partnership with Sharjeel and earn a consecutive trophy for the franchise. 3. Sohail Tanvir (Lahore Qalandars) Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir. (Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images) Sohail Tanvir is one of the most successful cricketers from Pakistan in the T20 format. His ability to baffle the batsman with his variations and unorthodox left-arm action has been a key factor behind this. Tanvir stunned experts with his bowling performances for IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals in his sole season. The 32-year-old Rawalpindi born snapped 22 wickets in just 11 matches at an economy rate of 6.46 and average of 12.09. Tanvir is an extremely powerful batsman down the order and is capable of striking a few lusty blows even under pressure. His 18-ball 50 against the Barbados Tridents in a tough scenario was surely an indication of that. McCullum led Lahore Qalandars will be expecting him to play an integral role this season. Also read- 5 Foreign cricketers to watch out for in the PSL 2 4. Ravi Bopara (Karachi Kings) Ravi Bopara of England. (Photo by Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images) The 31-year-old Englishman initially started his career as a top-order batsman but quickly gained the reputation of being a vital all-rounder with his wily medium pace bowling performances. Bopara has been a part of several T20 franchises over the years like the Sydney Sixers, Chittagong Kings and Kings X1 Punjab which indicates his demand. Ravi is more than capable of playing an aggressive knock and is a solid addition to any middle-order. Karachi Kings even opted to name him as the captain during the first season after his consistent performances with the ball contributed massively to the team performances. He will be expected to contribute effectively this time in the company of West Indian Kieron Pollard. 5. Kieron Pollard (Karachi Kings) Kieron Pollard (R) of Barbados Tridents. (Photo by Randy Brooks/LatinContent/Getty Images) Kieron Pollard needs no introduction. The 29-year-old has been one of the top performers for IPL franchise Mumbai Indians which has no doubt been a key factor behind their success in the league over the years. Pollard’s performances in the Champions League T20 while representing Trinidad& Tobago earned him a big money bid from the Mumbai Indians in the 2010 IPL auction and the burly West Indian has not disappointed ever since at any stage. His ability to deceive the batsman with subtle variations in pace, line, and length has earned wickets at crucial junctures which indicate how potent he is as a bowler. Pollard can clear the stands with ease which makes facing him a bowler’s nightmare. The Karachi Kings will be expecting him to lead the side onto a massive score in the company of fellow West Indian Chris Gayle. Also read- 10 players to watch out for in PSL 2017 Written by Arnab Mukherji

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5 Allrounders who are expected to dominate PSL 2

4. Ravi Bopara (Karachi Kings)

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