T20 World Cup 2022: X-Factor player for each team in tournament

The biggest T20 extravaganza of the year has begun. The superstars of the game are all set to make the tournament their own while the young guns are ready to showcase their skills at the grandest stage of them all. Australia have walked in as the defending champions at the marquee event.

Each team at the T20 World Cup 2022 has in their arsenal some proven performers of the T20 circuit. However, there are certain players who have the might to turn the game on its head in a matter of a few deliveries. Such cricketers are vital for the success of the team in a dynamic format wherein every ball is an event in itself. 

Let us look at players who can be the X-Factor for their team in the global tournament:

8. Afghanistan - Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been a destructor with the bat for Afghanistan at the top of the order. He has taken bowling attacks to the cleaners and given his side rapid starts. The 20-year-old has played 32 T20Is and scored 828 runs at a strike rate of 138.46.

The wicketkeeper-batter has been in a rich vein of form of late. At the Asia Cup this year, Gurbaz smashed 152 runs in five games at a strike rate of 163.44. He continued his prolific run in the Caribbean Premier League 2022, scoring 157 runs in six games at a strike rate of 140.17.

Gurbaz’s inclusion has added flair to the Afghanistan batting lineup and enabled Mohammad Nabi & Co. to consistently put competitive totals on the board. A lot will ride on the youngster as the Blue Tigers gun for glory in the marquee tournament.