It is less than a year since the last ICC World Twenty20 finished, but in this era of proliferation, fans of the shortest format never need to wait long for their next fix of big hitting. The recent IPL has whetted the appetite and has given a clue as to who are the players to watch in the Caribbean.
India’s players were obviously to the fore in the IPL, with Yusuf Pathan’s six hitting and MS Dhoni’s inspirational leadership getting most of the headlines. However, India will probably benefit more from the runs of Suresh Raina - overall IPL top scorer - and Rohit Sharma, a class act who can play for the situation better than anyone.
Defending champions Pakistan are in disarray, but they weren’t ideally prepared when they lifted the trophy in 2009. Skipper Shahid Afridi will be crucial, as will spin partner Saeed Ajmal, who should enjoy the slow West Indian wickets.
Shane Watson leads a new-look Australian batting unit that might rely on David Warner and Watson for good starts, while Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal is another opener to watch out for. Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb will form a long overdue attacking opening partnership for England, but Kevin Pietersen is always their key man. England’s World Twenty20 betting odds make them relative outsiders for the tournament but if the top order can gel they could cause an upset.
New Zealand have some excellent Twenty20 players, most notably Brendon McCullum, the format’s leading international runscorer. However, Ross Taylor and Martin Guptill might provide more runs than the out-of-form wicket-keeper.
Jacques Kallis rolled back the years in the IPL, but Bangalore team-mate Dale Steyn is South Africa’s main weapon. Lasith Malinga performs similar strike bowler duties for Sri Lanka, who will also look to the all-round abilities of Angelo Mathews.
Kieron Pollard has started to deliver on his huge promise with both bat and ball and the Trinidadian might prove to be the tournament’s big star and the man who can propel West Indies to the latter stages.