After the conclusion of an enthralling and highly engrossing IPL, we pick the Sport360 Team of the Season.
KL RAHUL (KXIP)
M:14, Runs: 659, 50s: 6, SR 158.41
Easily the best opener of this edition. Once he launched himself with a blazing 14-ball 50 in his team’s first match against Delhi Daredevils, there was no looking back.
A stylish batsman, Rahul was equally adept at playing pace and spin.
Rahul carried KXIP’s hopes single-handedly. Image – IPL/Twitter.
AMBATI RAYUDU (CSK)
M: 16, Runs 602, 100s: 1, SR: 149.75
Rayudu scored a century against SRH. Image – BCCI.
The 33-year-old was a revelation as an opener. All along Rayudu has played as a middle-order batsman but he revelled in his new role resulting in his most productive IPL. The biggest strength of Rayudu is that he can bat at any position.
MIDDLE ORDER
KANE WILLIAMSON (SRH)
M: 17, Runs: 735, 50s: 8, SR: 142.44
The Kiwi was top-class throughout the IPL. Image – IPL/Twitter.
The Kiwi captain stamped his class by emerging as the top run-getter. Not many can pace their innings as Williamson does. He is another batsman who has a range of strokes and can bat long once he gets set.
RISHABH PANT (DD)
M: 14, Runs: 684, 100s: 1, SR: 173.60
Pant displayed a fearless brand of cricket. Image – IPL/Twitter.
Having made a mark in the domestic circuit with his daring batsmanship, the 20-year-old stole the show in his third IPL smashing the most number of fours (68) and sixes (37). With the left-hander at the crease a high scoring rate was assured.
WK AND CAPTAIN
MS DHONI (CSK)
M: 16, Runs 455, 50s: 3, C: 11, Stumps: 3
Dhoni was back to his best with the bat too. Image – IPL/Twitter.
For the umpteenth time, Dhoni proved that in limited-overs cricket few can match him in leadership and finishing skills. The 36-year-old created havoc in rival camps with his batsmanship by smashing 30 sixes, the most he has hit in any IPL.
ALL-ROUNDERS
KRUNAL PANDYA (MI)
M:14, Runs: 228, SR: 145.22; W: 12, Econ: 7.07
Krunal put in some handy performances for MI. Image – BCCI.
An impact player who is quite good at batting, bowling and in the field. The left-hander can pull out the big shots with ease and is quite miserly with his left-arm spin. Tends to fly under the radar as compared to his flamboyant brother Hardik. Surprising that he is yet to play for India.
ANDRE RUSSELL (KKR)
M: 16, Runs 316, 50s: 1, SR 184.79; W: 13, Econ: 9.38
Russell was brilliant with both bat and ball. Image – BCCI.
When the burly Jamaican gets going, bowlers beg for mercy as his ability to smash sixes is nothing short of breathtaking. He was at it again, smashing 31 sixes for the Knight Riders this season. His pace bowling was another plus, even though an injured hamstring was a concern.
SUNIL NARINE (KKR)
M: 16, Runs 357, SR: 189.89; W: 17, Econ: 7.65
Narine was vital to KKR’s march to the playofs. Image – IPL/Twitter.
Primarily an off-spinner of high quality, Narine has been quite effective as an opener providing some blazing starts for KKR. Entered the tournament with more questions being raised about his bowling action but finished with his reputation intact. With Narine in the side, captains have lot more options to play with.
SPINNER
RASHID KHAN (SRH)
M: 17, W: 21, Best: 3-19, Econ: 6.73
Rashid was the standout spinner of the IPL. Image – IPL/Twitter.
The 19-year-old leg-spinner troubled every batsman he bowled to. His rich haul of wickets and a mean economy rate made him the best spin bowler this season.
The Afghan teen is no mug with the bat and can land some big blows,as the Knight Riders found out in the Qualifier.
FAST BOWLERS
JASPRIT BUMRAH (MI)
M: 14, W: 17, Best: 3-15, Econ: 6.88
Bumrah grew into the tournament as it progressed. Image – BCCI.
It’s very difficult to keep a bowler like Bumrah out because he is not only good at opening the attack but also in the death overs. Although he did not start well this season, he quickly found his radar and didn’t look back.
UMESH YADAV (RCB)
M: 14, W: 20, Best: 3-23, Econ: 7.86
Umesh Yadav bowled some fiery spells. Image – BCCI.
It was heartening to see an Indian fast bowler rattle batsmen with pace as Yadav waded into rival line-ups regularly. He was at his best when he opened the attack but was not as effective at the ‘death’. Still, his best season by far.
12TH MAN
AB DE VILLIERS (RCB)
The South African lived up to his billing. Image – IPL/Twitter.
A tough call to leave a player of such calibre on the bench. Better performers with the bat and ‘utility’ players get the nod ahead of the South African in this list. He misses out by the smallest of margins but remains in the group.
