Flop team of the World T20
The world cup is over and everybody, including the ICC, are busy picking their team of the tournament. I would like to put it a little differently, picking the flops of the World T20. We are only looking at the super eight sides, the minnows are not being considered here.
*NOTE: Only the performance in the recently concluded World Cup is under consideration, no past performances are taken into account.
The Flop Shows (11)
Craig Kieswetter (wk)
The England wicket-keeper was one of the stars of the England’s triumph in the 2010 edition, but had a World Cup to forget, scoring 2 ducks in his 4 innings with the only decent score being against India. He was eventually dropped for England’s do or die tie against Sri Lanka.
Virender Sehwag
India had high hopes on their blistering opener, but he disappointed. There was much controversy when the swashbuckling batsman was left out of the team for the matches against England and Australia. He should have made his comeback into the team count and make the Indians repent his absence, but failed to play any innings of note even though he got starts in both the matches after his return. The hopes were too high may be.
Hashim Amla
The ever so reliable South African batsman and their man for an emergency failed to deliver this time round. He had a crucial role to play in the do or die matches, but he got out early and it was all lost for South Africa.
Jacques Kallis
The world would be unanimous in declaring him as the best all rounder today, but he failed to do justice. His IPL performances recently and the quality of the man had South Africa pinning high hopes on him. He failed miserably with the bat, but he was decent with the ball.
George Bailey (c)
There were question marks not only on him being the captain, but even his name on the team sheet, with the likes of David Hussey warming the bench. But there would be no question marks on him being included in this side. Did nothing at all, though he played a good inning in the semi-final, but a little too late.
Shoaib Malik
I must be appreciated to remember his name because he did absolutely nothing in the World Cup, apart from fielding. Such performances will definitely land you here.
Shahid Afridi
This man was the match winner for the Pakistanis in the 2009 T20 World Cup. The World was shouting Boom Boom Afridi, but were left disappointed by the man. He failed with both the bat and the ball, which is a rare sight, and has justified his selection here.
Andre Russell
The young, dynamic West Indian all rounder got ample opportunities, both with the bat and ball, but didn’t grab either, landing him in this team.
Daniel Vettori
Given the sub-continent conditions, New Zealand would have pinned high hopes on their veteran spinner to deliver fruitful results, but he wasn’t at his best in the tournament. It may be a little harsh on him to be included here, but given the sheer quality of the man, he should have done better. Also, this was the feat missing from his set of great achievement.
Dale Steyn
Given he is the best bowler in the world at the moment, he should have made it to the World 11. Failing to do so is in itself a failure for him. To add to this, he had a forgettable World Cup, not doing as much.
Zaheer Khan
India’s no.1 fast bowler failed to spearhead the attack. He was rash in the early stages of the tournament, though he picked his rhythm as the tournament progressed. But he still can be considered a failure owing to his low wickets tally and any performance of note. When your fast bowling partner, who’s not at all fast (Balaji), takes more wickets than you, you are bound to be a flop.
So, this is my pick for the Flop Shows. Make no mistake, this is a team with potential to beat any team in the World on their day, but that is not our pint here and we must not shift our focus.