Pinch-hitting openers has emerged as a new category of players in formats like T10 and T20. Generally, the bowlers or bowling all-rounders fit in this category. They normally do not add any value to their wicket in the lower order, but if the teams use them as openers, they can smash lots of runs in the powerplay overs.
Sunil Narine is the perfect example of the pinch-hitting openers category. Kolkata Knight Riders have used his talent brilliantly. Here are five other players who can fit into that role like Narine.
1. Umesh Yadav
Umesh Yadav is a hard-hitter of the ball. Fans have seen how he sends the ball out of the park while playing in Test cricket for the Indian team. His batting skills are underrated, and it will be interesting to see how he performs if promoted to the opening slot.
2. Mohammed Shami
Another Indian bowler to feature on the list is Mohammed Shami. Like Umesh Yadav, Shami believes in attacking the bowlers. He does not care about the opposition bowler, which makes him a perfect candidate for the pinch-hitting openers category.
3. Pat Cummins
Australia’s Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins has the ability to clear boundaries at will. If he bats in the powerplay as an opener, he can wreak havoc against any team.
4. Rashid Khan
Like Pat Cummins, Rashid Khan has proven himself as a valuable bowling all-rounder in recent times. While Rashid has done well in the lower order, his full potential can be realized if he bats like pinch-hitting openers.
5. Tim Southee
New Zealand’s new Test captain Tim Southee is among the top six-hitters in the longest format of the game. He can be a good pinch-hitting opener in T20s. Interestingly, Southee, Yadav, Cummins and Narine all were a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders team.
