With the IPL 2018 over, we select the best performers of the season. So here is our captain of the year. No prizes for guessing correctly.
BEST CAPTAIN OF THE SEASON
MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)
Before the tournament began, there were doubts about Chennai’s ability to come good as they were packed with 30-year-olds and critics were quick to dub them ‘Dads’ Army’.
But once they secured a one-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in the first match, they became confident. Dhoni managed his resources brilliantly also led from the front by smashing 30 sixes despite a bad back, proving that despite being 36 years old, his finishing skills are still intact. The decision to opt for Faf du Plessis ahead of Sam Billings in the first playoff was a masterstroke as the South African fashioned Chennai’s victory by scoring 67 off 42 balls in a close contest. The plan to draft in Karn Sharma in place of the experienced off-spinner Harbhajan Singh in the final also paid off as the leg-spinner affected a run out and claimed the prized scalp of Kane Williamson.
As Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming said: “Dhoni gives players the belief to excel.”
WORTHY MENTIONS
Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Asked to lead after David Warner was banned, the Kiwi did a remarkable job and was in contention for the best captain’s slot had he not lost the final.
Dinesh Karthik (Kolkata Knight Riders)
For a first-timer, Karthik (pictured above) did exceedingly well especially in infusing confidence in the youngsters like Shubman Gill, Shivam Mavi and Prasidh Krishna.
