As the eagerly awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) draws to a close, e2-bet.in has compiled a list of the All-Time Best Finishers in the league’s history.
The IPL has wrapped up its 17th season, a prominent franchise cricket tournament that showcases some of the world’s best players. The thrilling finale saw the Chennai Super Kings defeat the Gujarat Titans, securing their fifth title and matching the Mumbai Indians’ record. The match ended dramatically, with Ravindra Jadeja hitting a six and a four off the final two balls to seal the victory.
Jadeja’s stunning performance allowed Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian captain, to raise the trophy for the fifth time, marking his legacy as the most successful skipper in Indian cricket history.
With the IPL season behind us, it’s time to honor those who have excelled in the crucial final overs of the game.
Read More:- Which Cricketer has More Fans
Best Finishers in IPL History
The ‘death overs’ refer to the last four overs of an innings (overs 16 to 20) in T20 cricket, where the pressure is highest, and the finishers are called to shine. Measuring the best finisher in the IPL can be subjective. Should it be based on the most runs, boundaries, or sixes?
The top contenders for the title of best finishers in IPL history include MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, and David Miller.
MS Dhoni leads the pack with a record 2,631 runs in death overs and 162 sixes. Following him, Kieron Pollard has amassed 1,708 runs and 127 sixes, while AB de Villiers ranks third with 1,421 runs and 112 sixes. Other notable Indian players include Dinesh Karthik with 1,364 runs and Ravindra Jadeja with 1,289 runs.
Although Jadeja doesn’t rank among the top for most sixes, he did achieve a remarkable feat by equaling Chris Gayle’s record for the most runs scored in a single IPL over, hitting 37 runs off Harshal Patel in 2021.
Andre Russell and Rohit Sharma follow as fourth and fifth in terms of sixes, with Russell maintaining the highest strike rate in IPL history at 174.00.
Top 5 Finishers in IPL History: Kings of the Death Overs
Utilizing metrics of runs, sixes, and strike rates in the IPL, e2-bet.in presents the all-time best finishers:
- MS Dhoni
The unrivaled king of the death overs, MS Dhoni, tops the list. With 2,631 runs and 162 sixes, he has also played the most matches (250) and captained the most games (226). Dhoni holds multiple records, including the highest number of dismissals, catches, and stumpings by a wicket-keeper in IPL history, solidifying his position as the ultimate finisher. - AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers ranks second, boasting an impressive IPL record. Despite scoring fewer runs than Pollard, his overall contribution and his phenomenal 133 not out against the Mumbai Indians in 2015 stand out. He holds the fifth-best strike rate in IPL history and has 251 career sixes, along with 23 Player of the Match awards, giving him the edge over Andre Russell. - Andre Russell
Andre Russell takes the third position, with notable runs and sixes in the death overs. While he may fall short in overall achievements compared to de Villiers, his explosive hitting and individual records justify his place. - Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is recognized as the fourth-best finisher, particularly after his heroics in the 2023 IPL final. Although his total runs in death overs are less than Karthik’s, his recent performance highlights his ability to deliver when it counts. - Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik rounds out the top five with the fourth-most runs in IPL history during the death overs, along with a solid strike rate of 132.81. With 243 matches under his belt, Karthik has proven himself as one of the best finishers in IPL history.
Conclusion
The IPL has seen some incredible finishers throughout its history, with each of the players mentioned above leaving a significant mark on the tournament. Whether through outstanding individual performances or memorable match-winning moments, these players have earned their place in IPL lore as the ultimate finishers.
Read More:- IPL Umpire Salaries: A Breakdown of Match Fees and More