The six teams – Team Abu Dhabi, Northern Warriors, Chennai Braves, Deccan Gladiators, Bangla Tigers and Delhi Bulls – are ready to battle for the crown in Abu Dhabi T10 season 5.
Each team has an array of stars to call upon, particularly the Icon Players – ones who can change the game in an instant and provide some stability and experience if things go wrong.
We take a look at each team’s icon players in Abu Dhabi T10 season 5:
Bangla Tigers – Faf du Plessis
Captain, leader, legend and icon – Faf du Plessis dons several hats for the Bangla Tigers.
The former South African captain has had a break following his title-winning season with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League and is now refreshed and ready to lead his team.
Typically an opener in the shorter formats, Faf du Plessis is equally capable of playing in the middle order and his experience of leagues around the world will be a huge boost to Bangla Tigers.
They may have a debutant captain but rest assured, Bangla Tigers will make a proper run at the title under Faf du Plessis.
Deccan Gladiators – Andre Russell
The man popularly known as ‘Dre Russ’ will be the icon player for Deccan Gladiators this season.
Armed with the strength to go big at the death and the bowling skills to both open the innings or be the death-overs option, Andre Russell’s abilities are never in question.
The past few months have been stop-start for Dre Russ due to injuries but the all-rounder will be looking to hit his peak at the Abu Dhabi T10.
Yusuf Pathan – Chennai Braves
In his debut in the Abu Dhabi T10, Yusuf Pathan has been named the icon player for new team Chennai Braves in season 5.
A versatile all-rounder who has won both the T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup with India, Yusuf Pathan may be new to T10 but feels he is perfect for the format.
Returning to competitive action for the first time since 2019, he may be a little rusty at first but his quality is never in doubt and Yusuf Pathan could well turn out to be the most key player for Chennai Braves.
Mohammad Hafeez – Delhi Bulls
A veteran batsman who has adapted his game over the years to yield great results, Mohammad Hafeez is Delhi Bulls’ icon player.
Formerly an opener, Mohammed Hafeez has moved to the middle order in the last few years. He has good technique against pace and is capable of the big hits at will.
He is also a handy off-spinner who can bowl in the powerplay and his experience will be vital for Delhi Bulls to go one step further than last season and lift the trophy.
Liam Livingstone – Team Abu Dhabi
Another captain-cum-icon player is English power-hitter Liam Livingstone for Team Abu Dhabi.
The 28-year-old is primarily an opener with a wide range of shots and innovations.
He can also come in late in the innings to display his big-hitting abilities and has recently added both off-spin and leg-spin bowling- depending on the type of batsman at the crease – to his arsenal.
Chris Jordan – Northern Warriors
A pace bowler and gun fielder who can also wield his willow in the lower order, Chris Jordan is the icon player for defending champions Northern Warriors.
The designated death bowler for almost all teams he plays for, Chris Jordan has been a key part of England’s revolutionary limited overs’ teams for quite a few years.
His variations and ability to nail yorkers makes him tough to put away even for the best hitters.
Chris Jordan will be vital to Northern Warriors’ chances of a third title and possibly become the first team to win consecutive Abu Dhabi T10 trophies.