In another week's time, the world's top 10 Twenty20 teams will assemble in South Africa to compete in the Airtel Champions League (CLT20). The tournament provides a perfect opportunity for lesser known players to share the limelight with some of the big names of the IPL. A standout performance from a relative unknown could catch the attention of the IPL franchises, ever eager to sign on new talent. For the established stars, the Airtel Champions League serves as a platform to highlight their prowess in this form of the game, which will increase their worth when fresh player auctions are held for the 2011 season of the IPL. Let's take a look at five players who are likely to make game-changing contributions in the CLT20:
Jacques Kallis – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
RCB have secured the services of Jacques Kallis after paying $200,000 to the Warriors - his home team from South Africa – who were also keen to include the all-rounder in their CLT20 squad. This should be seen as money well spent, considering Kallis' key role in RCB reaching the semi-finals of IPL 2010. The South African was the second highest run-scorer of the tournament, and also played a vital role with the ball, scalping 13 wickets in 16 matches. Kallis may not be the explosive hitter one is accustomed to seeing in T20, but he brings an assured presence and quiet consistency to the RCB batting.
Kieron Pollard – Mumbai Indians
The burly West Indian can change the course of the game in quick time with some monstrous sixes, as he almost did for the Mumbai Indians when batting in the final overs of the 2010 IPL final against the Chennai Super Kings. He is also a clever medium pace bowler, using changes in pace and nagging accuracy to force mistakes from impatient batsmen. Pollard will have the advantage of being ‘T20 match fit', with successful stints for Somerset and Trinidad & Tobago in the four months between the end of the IPL 2010 and the start of the CLT20.
Shaun Tait – South Australia
One of the world's most exciting fast bowlers, Tait can trouble the best batsmen when he gets in the groove. At full fitness, Tait's speed and steep bounce from a good length often prove to be unplayable. In an attempt to conserve his strength and extend his career, the South Australian has opted out of Tests, focusing solely on one-day internationals and T20s. His well-documented vulnerability to injuries could permanently prevent him from realising his full potential, but a recently fit-again Tait is ready to take on the best in the Champions League. So expect some fiery spells from him on the helpful South African pitches.
M.S. Dhoni – Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
The Team India captain has clearly endeared himself to CSK fans, who cheered him during his famous bike ride in Chennai with as much vigour as they did during the team's IPL 2010 championship victory. A safe wicketkeeper, a crafty captain, and a batsman adept at changing his game as the situation demands – these are the invaluable strengths that Dhoni brings to the Chennai Super Kings. New South Wales won the inaugural edition in 2009. It remains to be seen if Dhoni and his team can become the first IPL team to win the CLT20.
David Hussey – Victoria
The younger of the Hussey brothers has had a great season with Nottinghamshire in the recently concluded Friends Provident T20 cup (English County), where he finished in the top-5 run getters. He now returns to captain his home state of Victoria, a strong team with many capable players like pacers Dirk Nannes and Peter Siddle, and the big hitting Rob Quiney. Hussey may not have delivered for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, but expect the in-form right hander to let loose with some lusty hitting in this tournament.
Others to watch out for:
Robin Uthappa (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Doug Bollinger (Chennai Super Kings)
Sachin Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians)
Rob Quiney (Victoria)
