#ThatWas2018: Who all would feature in T20I XI of 2018?
What's the story
We are all set to welcome 2019. In 2018, fans witnessed a fascinating year of cricket, as they enjoyed some breathtaking moments in T20I cricket throughout the year. Several cricketers hogged the limelight in the 20-over format. Throughout the year, there were some blistering shows that conquered the field. Here we decode the T20I XI of 2018.
Information
Rohit gets captaincy nod
India's Rohit Sharma played a commanding role as a leader during the series against South Africa and also in the Nidahas Trophy. He is our choice as skipper of this team. Rohit's opening partner Shikhar Dhawan gets to lend support as vice-captain.
Openers
Rohit, Dhawan form the perfect opening combination
The two cricketers played a huge role in helping India dominate the T20I circuit in 2018. Rohit smashed 590 runs from 19 T20Is, that included two hundreds. He grew as a player and the added responsibility of leadership in Virat Kohli's absence, went on to help him. Dhawan ended the year as the leading runs scorer (689). He dominated the show with six fifties.
Pakistani duo
Pakistan's Fakhar and Azam played solid cricket
This was another dominating year for Pakistan, who ended as the number one T20I side. Two batsmen that played a huge role in helping the side, form the crux of this side. Fakhar Zaman scored 576 runs in a defining campaign. Babar Azam was a class act. Azam averaged a stupendous 62.55 this year. He smashed 563 runs in 12 matches.
Utility players
Rahul fits in as keeper, two all-rounders play part
With 324 runs in 13 matches, India's KL Rahul is the side's wicket-keeper. Rahul smashed a century and a fifty in 2018. We go with two all-rounders. Australia's Glenn Maxwell and Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan are the deserving candidates. Maxi amassed 506 runs and hit a ton as well. He got nine wickets. Shakib took 15 scalps and hit 248 runs this year.
Bowlers
We go in with a four-man bowling attack
Afghan sensation Rashid Khan and Pakistan's Shadab Khan are the two main spinners of this side. Shadab kept growing as a bowler. He accounted for 28 scalps. Rashid was brilliant to watch. He took a staggering 22 wickets from eight matches. Australian pacers Andrew Tye and Billy Stanlake complete this team. Tye was the leading wicket-taker (31). Stanlake (25) chipped in as well.