5 English players to watch in the 2020 IPL

#4 Tom Banton - Kolkata Knight Riders

BBL - Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat

Tom Banton is arguably the most exciting young batsmen in the world right now. Having impressed in the domestic English T20 competition (where he scored his maiden century for Somerset) with his ability to both hit powerful shots while also seeming to have already perfected the reverse-sweep and paddle, Banton is ready to take the world by storm.

Banton's domestic performances did not go unnoticed and he was picked up by the Brisbane Heat for the 2019/20 Big Bash Tournament. Having played 7 matches, scoring 350 runs with three half-centuries at a strike rate of 177, it is safe to say he impressed the Australian public with both skill and temperament

At such a young age, many people may say he will not be able to consistently score runs. Yet the fact he has a career average of nearly 35 after 27 games, including three at the international level, would suggest that this is a boy who already knows his game inside out.

If Banton is able to cope with the pressure of the IPL, which will undoubtedly be unlike any he has ever experienced before, then there is no reason why he cannot continue to dominate attacks at the top of the order. Initially he will have to make sure he is part of the first XI, but if he is able to do this then he undoubtedly has all the skill required to make his first IPL season a memorable one.