Many International players have gained recognition in Indian Cricket. Over the years, these cricketers have consistently excelled in India, be it in ICC tournaments, the IPL, or bilateral series. Their time in the IPL has helped them acclimate to Indian pitches, allowing them to analyze conditions, tackle spin effectively, manage innings pacing on slower tracks, and utilize bowling variations. With the World Cup approaching in India, this experience will be vital.
Jos Buttler
Former England captain Jos Buttler brings significant experience playing on Indian pitches. His understanding comes from impressive performances in the IPL and T20 internationals. In the IPL, he has scored over 4,100 runs, with an average around 40 and a strike rate near 150, including four centuries—a record tied in the 2022 season.
Buttler’s T20I strike rate in India is also noteworthy, approaching 150. During the 2016 ICC World T20 in India, he scored 191 runs with an average of 47.75 and a strike rate of 159, helping England reach the final. As he prepares for the next edition of this tournament as a key batter, Buttler’s current form is crucial for giving the team strong starts.
Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell will enter the World Cup with strong momentum, following a successful ODI series in India. With scores of 131* and 137 at strike rates exceeding 100, he led New Zealand to a historic series win and climbed to the top of the ICC men’s ODI batting rankings, overtaking Virat Kohli. His total of 352 runs is the highest ever by a New Zealander in a three-match ODI series.
While his IPL stats may not always shine, he has been a dependable performer. Having already excelled in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, Mitchell’s experience positions him as a key player for New Zealand in the global tournament.
Travis Head
In recent years, Travis Head has been a consistent threat to India. The Australian opener has shown his ability to make an impact, especially in ICC tournaments. In the 2023 World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final, Head’s notable centuries shifted the momentum of the matches.
Even in the IPL, where he has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad for the last two seasons, this left-handed batsman has continued to perform well, effectively challenging bowlers. Having a good understanding of Indian pitches will help him in the upcoming tournament.
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan, captain of Afghanistan, stands out as a significant overseas player thriving in Indian conditions. Despite recent talk of batters adjusting to him, Rashid continues to excel with the ball. His IPL career has been remarkable; since debuting in 2017, he has consistently been among the top wicket-takers, amassing over 130 wickets with an economy rate around seven, which is impressive for a spinner.
He was the Purple Cap runner-up in 2023 with 27 wickets and played a key role in Gujarat Titans’ championship win in 2022. Additionally, he holds the record for the fastest bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets and is Afghanistan’s all-time leading wicket-taker.
David Miller
Veteran batter David Miller’s solid record in India, both in T20Is and the IPL, makes him an important asset for South Africa leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. Over his IPL career, Miller has played for teams including Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans, and Lucknow Super Giants.
In 141 IPL matches, he has scored 3,077 runs, with an average of 35.77 and a strike rate of 138.60. A standout moment was in 2013 when he scored an incredible unbeaten 101 off just 38 balls. His best season came in 2022, where he scored 481 runs at an average of 68.71, contributing to Gujarat Titans’ title victory in their debut season.
In T20Is played in India, Miller has achieved 336 runs with an average of 42 and a strike rate of 179.67. After recently recovering from a groin injury sustained during the SA20, the 36-year-old is ready to take on the finishing role at No.5 for South Africa, which may be his last T20 World Cup.