IPL 2018: 5 inventive 360-degree batsmen to watch out for

The T20 format has been an absolute entertainment package for fans all over the world. It has also encouraged ambitious batsmen to try various creative, innovative and unorthodox shots to score runs and entertain the fans. These flamboyant shots which would have been considered outrageous 25 years ago are now the bread and butter for T20 specialists who thrive in using unique shots in order to have scoring opportunities in every part of the field. Unique shots like the helicopter shot, dilscoop, switch-hit etc have been developed and used frequently over the last decade. These original and inventive shots have added spice to the modern approach to batsmanship in cricket and have become the essence of T20 batting.

Let's take a look at 5 batsmen to watch out for in IPL 2018 who have a plethora of innovative shots in their repertoire:

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#5 Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen the South African wicketkeeper-batsman has been signed by Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2018 as a replacement for Steve Smith. Klaasen who was relatively unknown 4 months ago burst into fame after he played a couple of prominent match-winning performances in the ODIS and T20s against India after he replaced the injured Quinton de Kock in the South African team. The elite Indian spin duo of Kuldeep and Chahal troubled all the South African batsman except Klaasen who was the only one who successfully countered the spinners in an effective manner throughout the series.

Klaasen has a unique array of inventive shots in his arsenal which he used effectively to combat the Indian spinners. He found gaps in the field and efficiently placed the ball in the gaps using sweeps, reverse sweeps etc. Klaasen is an excellent player of spin and can light up the IPL using his enterprising shots.

#4 Sam Billings

White ball specialist Sam Billings was signed by CSK for Rs 2 crore for IPL 2018. Billings, after a sizzling BBL season, made an immediate impact for CSK with an incredible match-winning performance under pressure against KKR. Billings is a floater in most T20 teams but he personally likes the role of finisher best.

Billings uses a number of original and unconventional shots like ramp shots, scoops, forehand style slashes down the ground etc. He, unlike many overseas batsmen, is an excellent player of spin.He has great footwork and often shuffles around the crease to get into the ideal position to play his desired shot. He relishes pressure situations in which he can use his 360-degree ability to effectively place the ball in gaps or anticipate where the bowler will bowl and attempt to clear the ropes.

After a promising start Billings could be the X-factor player in the CSK lineup who can contribute immensely to the team's success.

#3 Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler, the English wicketkeeper-batsman, was signed by the Rajasthan Royals for IPL, 2018. The Englishman who is now committed exclusively to playing with the white ball is probably the leader of the English brand of T20 cricket which involves an array of stylish and innovative shots.

Buttler, who plays the role of a finisher for Rajasthan Royals, is a flamboyant stroke-maker. He is extremely strong and has flexible wrists. He uses these abilities to device inventive shots to every part of the ground. Buttler has his own version of the helicopter shot which is a bit different from MS Dhoni's but is still elegant. He specializes in sweeps, scoops, chips, ramp shots etc. Buttler is very entertaining to watch when he gets going and can be a very valuable asset for RR in this IPL season.

#2 Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell the popular powerhouse from Australia was bought for a whopping Rs 9.4 crore by Delhi Daredevils. Maxwell is a total matchwinner and can change the course of the match within a couple of overs. He is also in hot form after some incredible performances in the recent tri-series involving Australia, New Zealand, and England. Also, it is well known that Ponting the DD coach and Maxwell have an excellent relationship and Ponting can bring the best out of Maxwell.

Maxwell uses a ton of hypermodern shots and is one of the most entertaining batsmen to watch. He is a very inventive thinker and can craft an inventive shot to almost any delivery the bowler bowls. He has an excellent, balanced and sound technique which allows him to play a solid defensive shot as well as an eccentric switch hit.

Coming into the IPL with good form and a positive mindset, Maxwell certainly has the potential to set alight the IPL with matchwinning performances for DD.

#1 AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers, probably the most popular overseas player in IPL 2018, was retained by RCB for 12 crores. He is a consistent match winner for any team he plays, especially in the limited overs format. He is nicknamed Mr 360 because he has every shot in the book and possesses the incredible ability to smash a bowler to all parts of the ground.

The base of AB's genius abilities which is often overlooked by casual fans lies in his almost perfect batting technique which is used as a model by many batting coaches across the globe. AB constantly stresses on the concept of keeping the head still at the point of impact which is the secret to his 360 ability. When he is on a roll, AB usually accurately anticipates the bowler's length and line and shuffles around the crease to get into the perfect position to hit the ball into the gaps. His tremendous athleticism, strength, and skill in combination with innovation give his strokeplay a unique finesse.

AB forms the heart of the RCB batting lineup along with his good friend Kohli and they together will be the key to RCB's batting success.

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