T20 World Cup 2024: Top 4 IPL performers from England to watch out for in the tournament

Defending champions England on Tuesday (April 30) announced their squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in the USA and the West Indies in June. The 15-man squad led by Jos Buttler promises to be strong contenders to lift the coveted title for the second time in a row.

Notably, nine of those 15 are currently playing in the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The cash-rich league is the best training camp any player can get ahead of the marquee event. Interestingly, some of those Englishmen set the stage ablaze with sensational performances with both bat and bowl.

Let's take a look at 4 IPL stars from England who can do wonders in the 2024 T20 World Cup

1. Jos Buttler 

The English skipper has had an inconsistent campaign so far in the 2024 season. Especially in the initial few matches, he was really struggling to get going. However, with 319 runs from nine matches, 'Jos the Boss' is one of the top scorers this season, thanks to his two incredible centuries. 

Needing one run to win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the last over, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener smacked a six to register his century and help his side to a six-wicket victory. A few games later, he slammed his seventh IPL ton against KKR, overshadowing Sunil Narine's maiden hundred in the league. He is currently in great form and England will be hoping he does similar heroics in the World Cup.

2. Will Jacks

Will Jacks has been in the headlines ever since RCB bought him in the 2023 auction. He was warming the bench for the first few matches as all four overseas slots were filled. However, poor performances from Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green forced the management to bring the England sensation into their line-up.

Although Jacks has shown his big-hitting prowess in his first few matches, it was in the match against Gujarat Titans (GT) that he answered why he is surrounded by too much hype. The spin all-rounder took 31 balls to reach his half-century but completed 100 runs in the next 10 balls. With a six off the last ball, the right-hander scored his maiden IPL century and won the game for RCB in incredible fashion. Jacks can also chip in with some wickets, which makes him a key asset in the World Cup squad.

3. Sam Curran

Sam Curran is a key cog in the Punjab Kings unit. His contributions in the batting department have not been great so far, but he has excelled with the ball. The left-arm pacer has taken 12 wickets in nine matches - currently the joint third-best of the season. Notably, he also led the team in a few matches in the absence of the injured Shikhar Dhawan.

The 25-year-old played a crucial role in England's triumph in the 2022 World Cup. In fact, he was adjudged Player of the Tournament for his all-round brilliance. He also won the Player of the Match in the final for taking three wickets for 12 runs against Pakistan. If he continues to repeat his exploits, it will make England's job easier to win their third T20 WC title.

4. Phil Salt

Phil Salt went unsold in the 2023 auction, but an injury to his compatriot Jason Roy brought him to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad. The move paid off well as the right-hander paired with Sunil Narine to form one of the most dangerous opening combinations of the 2024 season. 

Salt and Narine often give KKR's innings a blazing start that will swing the momentum in their favour. Having scored 392 runs in nine matches at a staggering strike rate of 180.65, Salt is currently the fifth-highest run-scorer. Earlier in the bilateral T20 series against West Indies, he grabbed attention with two back-to-back tons, which he would look to repeat in the marquee event.