The Cricketer puts together the best XI from the eight-team competition in the United Arab Emirates, using just four overseas slots
(14 matches, 670 runs, 55.83 ave, 129.34 SR)
The Orange Cap winner is the only choice to open the innings. The 28-year-old led a disjointed Kings XI side by example, with a handful of sterling knocks. His century in their opening match of the tournament might have been enough to see off RCB but too often his innings were in vain. That knock was the highest by any Indian in the IPL and the fourth best in the competition's history.
(17 matches, 618 runs, 44.14 ave, 144.73 SR)
One of only two players to surpass 600 runs yet it was still an up and down campaign for Dhawan. He struck two of the five centuries during the competition, and four half-centuries alongside. But in 17 innings, four of them ended with him failing to score. Nevertheless, he was key to DC reaching their maiden final, scoring faster than any opener and is showing no sign of slowing down.
(17 matches, 519 runs, 34.60 ave, 123.27 SR)
“Iyer is a brilliant player, captain and person. He’s definitely grown in stature in the last 12 months. Hopefully, we can work together a bit more in the future.” Glowing praise from Ricky Ponting reflects the impact Iyer made on DC. Indeed, his leadership was hailed as one of the key reasons for their run to the final. Only three players scored more runs and if it weren't for his 65 in the final, Mumbai Indians could have strolled to an embarrassing win.
AB de Villiers remains unmatched at this level
(15 matches, 454 runs, 45.40 ave, 158.74 SR, 10 dismissals)
For the sixth time in seven seasons, the South African went past 400 runs in the tournament but this felt like his best performance in some years. Shifted down the order to perform the role of finisher, he was utterly sublime against the older ball. The highlights came via a stunning 73 off 33 balls to help beat Kolkata Knight Riders, and a half-century to inspire victory over Rajasthan Royals. And at 36 he performer ably with the gloves.
Men's T20 Player Index: No.308
(14 matches, 516 runs, 57.33 ave, 145.76 SR)
The IPL's breakout star, at least on a global level. The eventual champions' highest run-scorer was a pocket-rocket in the middle order, finishing with a better strike-rate than Jos Buttler or Andre Russell. His ability to leather the ball over the boundary punctuated MI's run to their fifth title. Missed out on a deserved century against RCB but it mattered little, as his metronomic consistency earned him something much more valuable.
(14 matches, 232 runs, 46.60 ave, 171.85 SR, six wickets, econ 8.75)
It remains to be seen whether Jadeja will be part of the next CSK era after they missed out on the playoffs, but he still had time to offer a reminder of his star quality in the middle overs. Only four players scored their tournament runs at a faster rate, while the six wickets which came via his tricky left-arm spin proved he more than just helps make up the overs.
Ishan Kishan enjoyed a fine campaign
(14 matches, 281 runs, 35.12 ave, 178.98 SR)
The relentless Mumbai Indians batting order was often capped by some fireworks from Pandya, who is fit again and certainly firing. Contributions were often fleeting but nearly always entertaining. His unbeaten 60 from 21 balls against RR was a blink and you miss it eruption, as first Ankit Rajpoot and then Kartik Tyagi were each smashed for 27 from the 18th and 20th overs. A glorious cricketer who needs protecting.
(14 matches, 113 runs, 18.83 ave, 179.36 SR, 20 wickets, econ 6.55)
The Barbados-born seamer elevated himself into exclusive company during the IPL thanks to his new ball expertise and some blistering spells. Rajasthan almost always got off to a good start thanks to the England man, whose 20 scalps don't do justice to his hostility and intensity, which is regularly questioned back home. He is pure box office.
(16 matches, 35 runs, 8.75 ave, 116.66 SR, 20 wickets, econ 5.37)
The best leg-spinner in the world enjoyed perhaps his best tournament with some inspired, frugal spells punctuated by wickets and bamboozled batsmen. There isn't a major global league Rashid hasn't yet dominated. It was perhaps telling that his stand-out display came against Delhi Capitals when he claimed 3-7. He is a real nuisance with runs behind him.
Is Jofra Archer the best white-ball seamer in the world?
(15 matches, 5 runs, 166.66 SR, 27 wickets, econ 6.73)
The best seam bowler in the world across all formats? There is certainly an argument that when the ball is white, there are few better at any stage of an innings. Accurate with the new ball, potent and deadly with the old. Given when he is deployed, his economy rate of 6.73 is barely believable, particularly as he has 27 wickets to boot - the most by any Indian in a single tournament.
Men's T20 Player Index: No.206
(15 matches, 25 wickets, econ 7.97)
Saved his best for when his team needed it. His new-ball spell in the final virtually delivered the title for MI, taking 3-30 and bowling 12 dots. The back-to-back champions never looked back once he got Marcus Stoinis first up. Protected somewhat for the early overs and not exposed to the death, Boult's angles terrorise openers looking to stamp their authority while his short ball can act as a genuine surprise.
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