Several international players have made quite a name for themselves in Indian cricket. Over the years, these cricketers have consistently performed well in India, whether it’s during ICC tournaments, the IPL, or bilateral series. Their time spent in the IPL has really helped them adapt to Indian pitches. Their ability to read the conditions, attack spin effectively, manage the pace of an innings on slower tracks, and utilize variations with the ball is crucial. With the World Cup approaching once again in India, this experience could prove to be incredibly important.
Jos Buttler
Former England captain Jos Buttler brings a treasure trove of experience when it comes to playing on Indian pitches. His deep understanding of the conditions in India comes from his impressive performances in both the IPL and T20 internationals. In the IPL, he has racked up over 4,100 runs, boasting an average of around 40 and a striking rate close to 150, including an incredible four centuries that tied the record during the 2022 season.
Buttler's strike rate in T20Is in India is also impressive, sitting at nearly 150. Back in the 2016 ICC World T20 held in India, he scored 191 runs with an average of 47.75 and a strike rate of 159, playing a pivotal role in leading England to the final. As he steps into the next edition of this prestigious tournament as a senior batter for the Three Lions, Buttler's current form will be crucial, as he carries the responsibility of giving the team strong starts.
Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell is stepping into the upcoming World Cup with some serious momentum, thanks to a stellar ODI series in India. With scores of 131* and 137, both at strike rates over 100, he not only led New Zealand to a historic series victory but also climbed to the top of the ICC men’s ODI batting rankings, surpassing Virat Kohli. His impressive total of 352 runs marks the highest ever achieved by a New Zealander in a three-match ODI series.
While Mitchell’s IPL stats might not always steal the spotlight, he’s been a reliable and steady performer. Having already excelled in India during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Mitchell’s experience makes him one of New Zealand’s key players as they head into this global tournament.
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Travis Head
In recent years, Travis Head has been a real problem for India. The Australian opener has a knack for making an impact, especially during ICC tournaments. In both the 2023 World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final, Head turned the tide of the matches with his impressive centuries.
Even in the IPL, where he’s been playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the last two seasons, this left-handed batsman has kept his hot streak going, taking on bowlers with ease. Head is well-acquainted with the pitches in India and is sure to leverage that knowledge to his advantage.
Rashid Khan
Afghanistan's captain, Rashid Khan, truly shines as one of the most influential overseas players to thrive in Indian conditions. Even with the recent buzz about batters starting to figure him out, Rashid continues to work his magic with the ball. His IPL journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Since he made his debut in 2017, he has consistently ranked among the tournament's top wicket-takers, amassing over 130 IPL wickets with an economy rate hovering around seven—one of the best for a spinner in India.
He notably finished as the Purple Cap runner-up in 2023, claiming 27 wickets, and played a pivotal role in the Gujarat Titans’ championship run in 2022. Additionally, he holds the record for being the fastest bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets and stands as Afghanistan’s all-time leading wicket-taker.
David Miller
Veteran batter David Miller's impressive track record in India, both in T20Is and the IPL, makes him an invaluable player for South Africa as they gear up for the 2026 T20 World Cup. This left-handed powerhouse has had a lengthy IPL journey, playing for teams like Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans, and most recently, the Lucknow Super Giants.
Over the course of 141 IPL matches, Miller has racked up 3,077 runs, boasting an average of 35.77 and a strike rate of 138.60. One of his standout moments came in 2013 when he smashed an unforgettable unbeaten 101 off just 38 balls. His best season came in 2022, where he scored 481 runs at an impressive average of 68.71, helping the Gujarat Titans clinch the title in their debut season.
In T20Is played in India, Miller has accumulated 336 runs with an average of 42 and a striking strike rate of 179.67. Recently, the 36-year-old received medical clearance after recovering from a groin injury he picked up during the SA20, and he's all set to take on the finisher's role at No.5 for South Africa in what might be his last T20 World Cup.