In modern day cricket, there are some great hitters which can clear any ground in the World with ease and comfort. They have the ability to hit long sixes and fours.
With the World Cup just a week away here we look at the Top-5 big hitters to watch out for in the World Cup 2015.
1. MS Dhoni (India)
MS Dhoni is one of the hardest hitters of the cricket ball. His batting in the last few overs makes him a dangerous batsman. He is the captain of the Indian team which is defending champion winning the World Cup in 2011. With the Indian bowling looking weak the pressure is on him to play well. He has played 254 One day internationals with the highest of 183 not out against Sri Lanka.
He knows very well how to play under pressure situations. His average in this format is 52.29 which shows the talent of the batsman. In the World Cup 2015, he is the batsmen who can change the course of the match with his power-hitting. His famous shot is the helicopter shot which is a fan favorite. He has smashed 643 fours and 177 sixes in his career so far.
2. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
He is also one of hardest hitters of cricket ball in modern day cricket. His ability to use his height and just smash the bowler out of the ground is unreal. The bowler has to be careful of not pitching the ball short or too full to him. He has played 263 One day Internationals for West Indies. His highest score has been 153 not out. His average in One day International cricket is 36.85 with strike rate of 84.22.
With Dwayne Bravo and Pollard being not their side, Chris Gayle role in the team becomes very crucial as his starts will important of giving a good total to defend for the bowlers. He has hit 1021 fours and 212 sixes in his illustrious career. He has also played exceptionally well in the Indian Premier League for Royal Bangalore Challengers. His highest score in IPL is 175.
3. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
In this World Cup he is the captain of the New Zealand team. He has played 240 One day Internationals matches. His average in One day International cricket is 30.27 with a strike rate of 91.73.
His special ability is to make the bowlers think and does not allow the bowlers to settle to a good line and length. In the 2015 World Cup, the New Zealand team will depend on the captain to provide a flying start to the team. His highest score in One Day International is 166. He has hit 498 fours and 169 sixes in his international career.
4. AB De Villiers (South Africa)
AB De Villiers plays some innovative strokes that leave the bowlers bamboozled. He makes batting look very easy and just decimates any bowling attack. He has the record of scoring the fastest century in One day International cricket against West Indies off just 31 balls. AB de Villiers is the captain of the team in World Cup 2015. He has played 179 matches with a strike rate of 97.16.
His average of 52.16 makes him a special and dangerous batsman these days. His highest score has been 149. He has hit 670 fours and 139 sixes. Apart from this he is an excellent fielder too and keeps wickets when required. He will play an important part in the South African team. Playing reverse sweep, paddle sweep to the fast bowlers shows the class of the batsmen.
5. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
Glenn Maxwell played a crucial knock of 95 against England in the Tri-series finals recently which helped Australia to post a competitive total of 278. He has played 41 One day International cricket with a strike rate of 115.76 and is an excellent attacking option for Australia.
His average in One day international cricket is 30.67 but the impact he creates on the match shows the talent of the batsmen. He starts attacking from the start. His highest score in One day internationals is 95. He has hit 100 fours and 35 sixes in his career.
In World Cup 2015, if Australia gets off to good start then Maxwell can play an attacking option. With lot of innovative strokes that Maxwell has he will be person to watch out for Australia.