Osman Samiuddin gives his five best cricketers in the year 2016.
Ravichandran Ashwin
No cricketer has been as influential as Ashwin for his side. Following the victorious Test series against England, he is the world’s leading wicket-taker in 2016, with 72 in just 12 Tests. Throw in more than 500 runs at an average north of 45 and we are talking about a truly golden year.
Jonny Bairstow
Bairstow began the year with a tenuous grip on the wicketkeeping position in England’s side. He had just replaced Jos Buttler but permanence was missing. Look at him now, though, 1,470 runs later and improving work behind the stumps. He has been England’s heart and soul through their best moments and their bulwark through the worst.
Yasir Shah
It says something about Shah that 2016 could have qualified as his quietest year since his debut and still he finds himself on this list. Shah was instrumental in the two Pakistan Test wins this summer in England, even if he was ineffective in the other two Tests. And though he was far from his best against West Indies, he still picked up 21 wickets in the series, which is a pretty handy trick.
Kagiso Rabada
The most exciting young pace bowling prospect in the world right now, this has been an outstanding year for Rabada. It began with a 13-wicket haul against England and ended with defining performances in Australia. He has a beautiful, easy action, serious pace and the brain of a veteran. A timely arrival as well, given Dale Steyn’s injury struggles.
Virat Kohli
Responsibility rests easy with Kohli. He has led India energetically on the field and captaincy has not has affected his batting in any way. He has more than 1,000 runs already and averages nearly 80. If his Test stats felt a little underwhelming for a man of his gifts, this feels like the year he has really begun to address that.
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