The IPL is the world’s premier T20 cricket league. Even though milestones such as high scores and strike rates are commonly talked about or cited in this context, it is a player’s body of work over numerous editions that truly measure a player’s excellent success in the format. Over the years, it has given its fans a multitude of unforgettable performances from the world’s finest players. As per IPL matches new, this blog honours the stalwarts who have consistently outperformed in the tournament.
1. Run Machine
The first name that should arise in the ipl sports news today is the man who needs no introductions – Virat Kohli. The ex-Indian leader had been an IPL superstar since the invention of the game and boasted a stupendous average of 36.20 in 223 outings not only set him as one of the most reliable players in the format, but he already scored over 6,000 runs. Hailing from the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kohli is the man you want to stabilize the innings with while keeping an excellent hasty run rate. He had a chase of multiple large scores and set big scores himself, and there is frankly nothing this man cannot do. Until now, he is decidedly one of the best IPL has ever observed.
2. The Workhorse
Shikhar Dhawan is an addition to the IPL player. The southpaw has consistently dug into bowlers’ gravy to score runs for multiple teams with his stylish stroke play. Dhawan has scored 5,807 runs from 192 matches in an average and injury-tainted season. A southpaw has been vital in ensuring the team gets off to a flying start at the beginning of the day.
3. The Kiwi Sensation
Representing New Zealand on the list is the dynamic Kane Williamson. Even though he is limited by his participation to being a part-time player in the IPL with international commitments, the player has done nothing short of sensational for his team. With an average of 39.28 from 76 average matches, Williamson has been a class apart. His incredible technique which often results in a rotating strike has always kept bowlers from finding a rhythm.
4. The Southpaw
It’s been over a decade since the southpaw signed up for Chennai Super Kings and helped build the foundation that has brought great success to the franchise. Suresh Raina has particularly thrived in the middle order: in 205 matches, his line-up average is 33.34 and totals over 5,500 runs. Any lineup of IPL greats would be incomplete without Suresh Raina. He is brilliant at hitting through the line and connecting dots while maintaining quick speed in the running.
5. The Hard-Hitting Finisher
Standing at the summit of the most esteemed finishers to ever grace the league is the name of MS Dhoni. A captain with multiple IPL trophies under his name, the most successful Indian Premier League franchise has played brilliantly under his captaincy. An average of 39.59 in 234 games explains his finishing skills, as he has the habit of sticking around and seeing the team home more often than not. His calm demeanour and power-hitting abilities make him one of the scariest finishers across all formats.
6. The Aussie Powerhouse
The Australian batsman David Warner has been a destructive player in the IPL, tearing apart bowlers with his attacking shots. He has notched up 41.59 on average in 150 clashes and finally gathered 5,600 runs. He is the edgy batsman to bowl against since he scores rapidly and makes the defenders feel anxious.
7. The South African Superstar
The dynamic AB de Villiers represents South Africa on this list. De Villiers is famed for his inventive strokeplay and running scoring can play shots at all points on the wicket and has truly been a dominating force in the IPL. More than helping them to scores of runs, he has wholeheartedly saved the Royal Challenger Bangalore team. De Villiers has an average of 39.95 throughout his 184 matches, with more than 5,000 runs scored.
8. The Caribbean Powerhouse
No list can be drawn up without a West Indian batsman, and who except Chris Gayle fits this role best? The opening batsman was one of the most popular players in the IPL. The name Gayle is synonymous with six-hitting, and the popular ‘Universe Boss consistently throws the ball over the boundary rope. He made over 4900 runs in 142 matches at an impressive average of 39.72.
9. The Unsung Hero
Even though most of the big names get all the accolades, some unsung heroes perform consistently and never make headlines. Mayank Agarwal is one such player. He has been performing quietly an average of 39.88 in 51 IPL matches. Agarwal has been consistently scoring runs at the top of the order for two IPL franchises.
10. The Rising Star
The newcomer is an Indian young batsman with thrilling rapid-fire beams and high scores match – Ruturaj Gaikwad. After 35 games, Gaikwad has an average score of 41.45, but this is probably just the beginning, making him a candidate for a long-lasting regular IPL legends list in cricket news. Yet, no list of IPL greats can be fulfilled without a newcomer who has rocked the tournament over the past two years.
Conclusion
While there are multiple paltry performances in a game most of the time; indeed, it is the ones that perform consistently that carve a name out in cricket history. The likes of Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan are the best examples, as well as the young blood like Ruturaj Gaikwad, having spectacular averages over their IPL careers as per cricket updates.
The players not only entertain the fans with extraordinary stroke play but also set bars for the upcoming batsmen. As the IPL gains popularity, it will be intriguing to see if any other player can make his way into history books cementing their place amongst these gentlemen.
