Top 10 Best IPL Players

Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League has attracted some of the most talented players in cricket. The tournament’s extravagant atmosphere is accompanied by spectacular performances in batting, bowling, and fielding that entertain millions of fans worldwide.

Who are the standout players in this league? Which individuals have made a lasting impact with their performances on the cricket pitch? Here is a list of the top 10 players in the IPL’s history so far.

1. Virat Kohli

Considered the best player in IPL history, Virat Kohli has an astonishing popularity despite his team never winning the title to date. He has a vast and dedicated fan following on various social media platforms. Over the years, Virat has proven his worth and talent in several IPL matches, winning recognitions such as the MVP, Orange Cup, and Maximum Sixes award.

Across his tenure in the IPL series from 2008 to 2022, Virat has scored an impressive 6411 runs in 208 IPL innings, making him the highest-scoring batter in the IPL’s entire history. His excellent performance and dedication have led him to be the first and only player to represent the same franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore, in all seasons of the IPL series.

2. David Warner

David Warner, the former captain of the Australian national cricket team, is a truly unique player in the world of cricket. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has proven time and again that he is a top-tier batsman with an unparalleled consistency that sets him apart from other players.

With three Orange Caps to his name and over 5000 runs scored in the IPL, Warner’s record speaks for itself. He holds the record for scoring more than 500 runs in five consecutive seasons, a feat that very few other players have achieved. These impressive numbers are a testament to why he is considered the number one player in the IPL.

In addition to his impressive individual performances, Warner has also proven himself as a leader. He led the Sunrisers Hyderabad to an IPL title in 2016, and has been praised for his captaincy skills. With the best batting average among players who have scored at least 4000 runs in the IPL, Warner is a true asset to any team he plays for.

Overall, David Warner’s skills on the cricket field make him a truly exceptional player, and his contributions to the IPL have been nothing short of remarkable.

3. Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina, a retired Indian international cricketer, was a powerful left-handed middle-order batsman and occasional off-spin bowler. His outstanding fielding skills made him one of the best fielders in global cricket.

Widely known as Mr. IPL and one of the most popular cricketers in India, Raina’s impressive statistics in the IPL speak volumes about his greatness.

Although he has not been in top form in recent years, Suresh Raina’s consistent performance throughout the history of the IPL is unmatched by any other player.

Raina played a pivotal role in the success of the CSK team, serving as the backbone of their batting lineup.

With over 5,000 runs in the IPL, Raina ranks among the top five highest run-scorers in the league. He also holds the distinction of being the first player to reach the 5,000-run milestone in the tournament.

4. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle, the legendary left-handed batsman from the West Indies, is a household name in the cricketing world. Known for his explosive batting style, Gayle is celebrated for his mighty sixes and boundary shots that have thrilled cricket fans around the globe. He has earned the endearing nickname of “Universe Boss” for his unmatched batting prowess and leadership skills.

In his impressive IPL career, Gayle has amassed a whopping 4965 runs, with an average of 40.24 and a strike rate of 150.11. He has also smashed six centuries and 31 half-centuries in the tournament, making him one of the most feared and respected players in the IPL series.

Gayle’s exceptional performance in the IPL has earned him several awards and accolades. He has won multiple Orange Caps for being the top run-scorer in the tournament and has also been honoured with the title of Most Valuable Player. In the 2011 edition of the IPL, he was awarded the “Maximum Sixes” award for hitting the most sixes in the tournament, a record that still stands to this day.

5. AB Divilliers

AB de Villiers is one of the most exciting cricketers to have played in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise since 2011 and has amassed a total of 5162 runs in 170 matches. He has an impressive strike rate of 151.69 and has scored 3 centuries and 40 half-centuries in his IPL career. Known for his innovative strokeplay and ability to play all around the ground, de Villiers is a crucial cog in RCB’s batting line-up.

His most memorable innings in the IPL came in 2015 when he scored a blistering 133* off just 59 balls against the Mumbai Indians. He has consistently been among the top run-scorers in the IPL and is regarded as one of the best foreign players to have played in the tournament.

6. Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan, an Indian international cricketer, is widely recognized as one of the finest opening batsmen in the world. With consistent performances, he has proven to be an invaluable asset for his club and country.

In first-class cricket, Dhawan represents Delhi, while in the IPL, he plays for Delhi Capitals. He has also been the highest run-scorer in ICC tournaments for the Indian cricket team.

Dhawan holds the distinction of being the fastest Indian to reach 3,000 One Day International runs. Additionally, he has set a record for the highest number of runs in a calendar year in T20 International cricket, with a total of 689 runs.

He became the first player in IPL history to score two consecutive centuries, adding another feather to his cap. Dhawan’s performances in the IPL have been impressive, and he continues to deliver at the right time for his club.

7. Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir is a retired Indian cricketer who played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for various teams including Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals. He is regarded as one of the most successful IPL batsmen in the tournament’s history, having scored a total of 4217 runs in 154 matches with an impressive average of 31.23 and a strike rate of 123.88.

He led the Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, and was named the player of the tournament in 2009.

Apart from his batting exploits, Gambhir was also a brilliant fielder and an effective captain. His leadership and contribution to the success of his IPL teams have made him a legend in the league.

8. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, the captain of India’s national cricket team in T20Is and Test is a renowned Indian international cricketer. He plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket and leads the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

With six IPL titles under his belt, Rohit Sharma is the only player in history to achieve this feat. He is considered the backbone of the Mumbai Indians team, consistently delivering with his bat and demonstrating top-notch captaincy skills to win tournaments.

Rohit Sharma is widely regarded as one of the most explosive and destructive openers in cricket history. His incredible performances in the IPL have earned him a special place in the hearts of fans, who view him as the perfect match for the tournament.

Rohit Sharma’s talent was recognized early on in his career when he was elected as the best-emerging player in 2009. He played a vital role in helping Deccan Chargers lift the IPL title in 2011. Since moving to the Mumbai Indians, his leadership has led the team to great success in the tournament.

9. MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, popularly known as “MS Dhoni,” is one of the most successful captains in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to three IPL titles and has been a consistent performer with the bat and behind the stumps.

Dhoni is the second-highest run-scorer for CSK and has scored a total of 4978 runs in 234 IPL matches at an average of 39.2, including 24 half-centuries. He also holds the record for the most dismissals by a wicket-keeper in IPL history with 170 dismissals. Dhoni’s calm and composed demeanor on the field, coupled with his excellent leadership skills and performances, have made him one of the greatest players in IPL history.

10. Shane Watson

Shane Watson, renowned as one of the world’s greatest all-rounders, has represented Australia in international cricket. He made his debut in the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals in 2008, winning the IPL trophy in his debut season. He later joined RCB but struggled to deliver impressive performances for the franchise.

However, his fortunes turned around when he was picked up by CSK in 2018, as he emerged as a completely transformed player. Watson’s remarkable display in the IPL 2018 final, scoring 117 off just 57 deliveries, is considered one of his best innings in the tournament.

With two Player of the Tournament awards in 2008 and 2013, Watson is the only player in IPL history to have achieved this feat. He has scored a total of 3874 runs and taken 92 wickets in the tournament.