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

Ahead of the International T20 Cup, Afghanistan leg spinner Rashid Khan has picked his top five T20 players. Despite being one of the best spinners going around, Rashid excluded himself from the elite list.

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Indian skipper Virat Kohli was the first player on the list. Kohli is the leading run-scorer in the T20I cricket, with 3159 runs at an average of 52.65 and a strike rate of 139.04 respectively. “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,” Rashid reasoned.

Rashid then opted for New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. The right-hander is among the best batters in world cricket at the moment and boasts of a decent record. He has scored 1805 T20I runs at an average of 31.66. Irrespective of the conditions, Williamson has always performed well for New Zealand as well as for his franchises.

Next on the list is Mr. 360, South Africa’s AB de Villiers. The veteran has retired from international cricket but plays T20 cricket. “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,” said Rashid talking about De Villiers.

West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya were the final two players in Rashid Khan's list. The 23-year-old hailed their batting prowess and said, “These two will be my key (batters) who can chase 80-90 when I need them in the last four-five overs. They are the kind of batsmen who can do the job for you easily.”

Rashid was recently seen in the Indian Premier League where he picked up 18 wickets in 14 games for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Rashid, who will be part of the Afghanistan squad in the International T20 Cup, will hope to deliver some match-winning performances.