International T20 Cup: Rashid Khan picks his top five T20 players

Afghanistan leg spinner Rashid Khan has picked his top five T20 players. Interestingly, Rashid, who himself is one of the best players going around, has excluded himself from the list. Rashid picked Indian skipper Virat Kohli as the first player. Kohli leads the charts of most runs in T20I cricket with 3129 runs at an average of 52.65 and a strike rate of 139.04. Speaking about Kohli, Rashid said, "Doesn’t really depend on the wicket, doesn’t matter whatever the wicket is, he is someone who is going to step up and perform.”

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was second on Rashid’s list. Good against the pacers, brilliant against the spinners, Williamson is a complete player and boasts of a decent record in T20I cricket. He has scored 1805 T20I runs at a healthy average of 31.66.

Rashid then opted for former South Africa batter AB de Villiers. Mr. 360, as he is often referred to, has dominated the world’s best bowlers. Speaking about De Villiers Rashid said, “A destructive batsman. Someone who can give you quick runs at any stage, any wicket, against any bowler and he can play any shot. As a captain, you will always love to have that batsman.”

The leg spinner selected West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard and India all-rounder Hardik Pandya as the final two players. Both cricketers are known for their hitting abilities and while they are at the crease, no target seems impossible. “These two will be my key (batters) who can chase 80-90 when I need them in the last four-five overs,” Khan said of Pollard and Pandya. “They are the kind of batsmen who can do the job for you easily,” said Rashid

Meanwhile, Rashid Khan was the lone bright spot in a rather gloomy season for SRH. While the team struggled in the tournament, Rashid picked up 18 wickets in 14 games. The 23-year-old will now be seen during the International T20 Cup while playing for Afghanistan. The Mohammad Nabi-led side is being seen as the dark horses and can pull off some surprises. However, Rashid needs to have a good tournament if Afghanistan have to make an impact.