The biggest party in the cricket that is the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is all set to entertain everyone yet again. CPL will commence on the 18th of August and will become the first T20 league to be played after the COVID-19 pandemic. This year the CPL will be entirely played in Trinidad and Tobago behind closed doors to keep all players safe from the virus.
The level of cricket in the CPL is remarkably high and competing as it highlights the best domestic talent of the Caribbean. The flair and ability of players featuring in the league make them a treat to watch. Also, numerous great T20 players from all around the world showcase their skill in one of the leading T20 leagues in the world.
With the league starting next week we try to look at those 5 key players that everyone will have an eye on in CPL 2020.
5 Players To Watch Out For In The CPL 2020
5. Ross Taylor
The great Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor will be playing for last year’s runner ups the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Taylor will be returning to the CPL after missing out last year and will be looking to share his experience with all his teammates in the squad. The veteran batsman, who was drafter overnight for CPL 2020 has featured in the league in four seasons.
Taylor will be an asset for the Guyana Amazon Warriors as they will be looking to do one better and become champions of CPL 2020. Meanwhile, Taylor across four seasons has so far amassed 724 runs at an average of 31.5 in 36 matches.
Taylor will certainly be a major attraction when he takes the field for his team in CPL 2020.
4. Oshane Thomas
The impressive fast bowler Oshane Thomas was among 5 players that were retained by the Jamaica Tallawahs for this year’s CPL. The 23-year-old will be the leader of the pack when it comes to the bowling attack for his side. His ability to bowl fast and trouble even the very best of batsmen makes him a potent threat for any opposition side.
Thomas will be looking to pick important wickets in the first power play and contain the scoring rate in the death overs.
Thomas who escaped a serious injury after being involved in a motor accident in Jamaica earlier this year will be a vital cog for the two times CPL champions Jamaica Tallawahs. The pacer will be first seen against the St Lucia Zouks in the third match of the season.
3. Chris Lynn
The Australia Chris Lynn over the years has earned the reputation of being one of the feared ball strikers in the world. When he hits them it stays hit as he has this gift of clearing the boundary rope at will. This year Lynn for the first time will play for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots after he was sold to the team this year during the virtual CPL draft.
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will heavily depend on their star opening batsman to deliver the goods this season. After all Lynn in his T20 career so far has a strike rate of almost 145 which makes his a sure shot match-winner in the shortest format of the game.
2. Pravin Tambe
Yes, after showcasing his expertise in the IPL leg-spinner Pravin Tambe will be taking part for the very first time in CPL. At 48-years-old Tambe is still going strong and will be looking to impress everyone in his debut season.
The India audience will be closely watching Tambe from August 18 when his side lock horns against Guyana Amazon Warriors in the opening match of CPL 2020. The oldest player in the league, Tambe became the first Indian player to bag a CPL contract after his heroics in the IPL.
The veteran spinner from Mumbai will be one of the 5 players to watch out for in CPL 2020 when the tournament commences on August 18.
1. Jason Holder
The captain of defending champions Barbados Tridents will be again looking to lead his side to glory in the upcoming CPL. The 28-year-old is currently one of the leading all-rounders in the world that can win a match with both bat and ball.
Holder is an underrated batsman that has time and time again shown his class with the willow in hand. Whereas his medium pace can make any batsman dance to his tunes when he is on song.
Holder’s side will be playing their opening game against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on August 19. The skipper will be looking to make this season his own again and lead from the front in all departments.