The fifth season of the Abu Dhabi T10 promises to provide more action and more entertainment with several stars returning to grace the stage.
There are a few new faces in the league though who will be looking to leave their mark. Some are veterans of the game while some exciting future stars await us.
We take a look at five debutants who could light up the Abu Dhabi T10 this season.
Faf du Plessis – Bangla Tigers
A former captain of the national team and one of the best batsmen ever from South Africa, Faf du Plessis or Francois du Plessis, to use his full name, will be making his Abu Dhabi T10 debut this season.
And there is a big responsibility on his shoulders – he has been named captain of the Bangla Tigers.
Faf du Plessis, though, is someone who thrives under pressure, be it with his batting or captaincy. He was part of the title-winning Chennai Super Kings in the recently-concluded Indian Premier League, where he was their second-highest run-scorer.
An innovative batsman who can take on pace at will, Faf is in form and will be one of the key cogs for the Bangla Tigers’ title bid.
Yusuf Pathan – Chennai Braves
One of the foremost power hitters the game has seen, Yusuf Pathan will make his Abu Dhabi T10 debut for Chennai Braves as their icon player in season 5.
Known for his explosive stroke play and versatility – he can play both at the top and middle order – Yusuf Pathan is an exciting new addition to the tournament.
He is also a useful off-spinner and his all-round abilities will be a big boost for new team Chennai Braves to make a run for the title.
This will also be Yusuf Pathan’s first league outside India and he will be keen to showcase his skill on this stage.
Mark Watt – Northern Warriors
The star for Scotland in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup, left-arm spinner Mark Watt will be one to watch out for in Abu Dhabi T10.
Mark Watt is an economical bowler who bowls in the powerplay, a dream combination for any team captain.
The 25-year-old is clever with his variations, and capable of darting them in and taking it away from the batsmen.
He can also swing his bat a bit lower down the order, so maybe a few fireworks are in order.
Akeal Hosein – Delhi Bulls
Another spinner who is in form is Akeal Hosein, who will play for the Delhi Bulls in the Abu Dhabi T10.
An orthodox left-arm spinner, Akeal Hosein, with his shades and athleticism, brings the typical West Indian flair to any team.
He is accustomed to bowling in the powerplay and his tight lines and lengths make him hard to get away.
Akeal Hosein was a key part of the Trinbago Knight Riders’ title run in the 2020 Caribbean Premier League and will look to reprise that role in the Abu Dhabi T10.
Dominic Drakes – Delhi Bulls
The son of former pacer Vasbert Drakes, Dominic Drakes is an exciting prospect to watch out for in the Abu Dhabi T10.
Dominic Drakes rose to fame when his blitzkrieg innings led St. Kitts and Nevis to the 2021 CPL title, their first trophy. He then signed for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL as a replacement for Sam Curran.
A left-arm bowler who is capable of the big hits, Dominic Drakes will be keen to prove his worth to the team.
With a supportive captain like Dwayne Bravo, it would not be a surprise if Dominic Drakes proves to be the X-factor for Delhi Bulls as they aim for the title.
