CLT20 2014: Top 5 bowlers of the tournament

Although the Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) has had its fair share of critics, it has to be said that the sixth edition of the tournament was a success overall, with the quality of cricket played – for a major part of the tournament – being of a very high standard.With the nature of the format inherently favouring the batsmen, the CLT20, by and large, has seen the batsmen enjoying an upper hand over the bowlers, and it was no different this time around. A few of the bowlers – most notably Sunil Narine – did, however, enjoy some success, not just in keeping the runs down but in also taking wickets, which is a great credit to their skill and ability.Here are the top 5 bowlers of the edition: 

#5 Akshar Patel

Akshar Patel’s rise to prominence in a matter of just 6 months has been nothing short of exceptional. Before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014, Akshar had played just a few First-Class and List A games for Gujarat and was hardly known outside the domestic circuit; Kings XI coach Sanjay Bangar, however, decided to take a punt on the all-rounder, and it has paid off brilliantly.

After taking 17 wickets in the IPL at an economy rate of 6.13, even better than that of Sunil Narine, he has followed it up with 8 wickets from 5 matches at 6.15 in the CLT20, which just goes to show his undying control over line and length.

What has been most impressive about Patel’s CLT20 showing is the fact that, in the absence of lead bowler Mitchell Johnson, he has shown the willingness to take responsibility and bowl during the Powerplay and death overs despite being just 20 years old.