The action-packed drama of the league stage of the Indian T20 League has been finally put to rest, with the team from Mumbai topping the chart on the back of their superior Net Run Rate (NRR). Team Chennai and Team Delhi closely follow the suit with equal points, while the fourth team to be qualified for the playoffs (Hyderabad) comes on the back of their higher NRR to become the best of the rest.
The league stages also saw a number of records being shattered with the likes of Alzarri Joseph, David Warner and Jonny Bairstow setting the tone. With the playoffs approaching, it’s time we list down the team of the league stage.
David Warner:
Despite playing fewer games than most of his opponents, Hyderabad’s David Warner acquires the throne of highest run scorer of this season with 692 runs in his kitty. Buzzing with an average of 69.20 and strike rate of 143.86, the Aussie showed no mercy to every bowling attack he faced this season.
KL Rahul:
It took Rahul three games to find his groove in the shortest format of the game. Following two back to back disappointments in the early stage of the tournament, Rahul’s knock of 71 off 57 deliveries in the third game gave Punjab a confident victory over Mumbai. Since then, Rahul’s numbers have been on a rise. As of now, the Punjab opener has scalped 593 runs in 14 games and sits second in the list of highest run-getters.
Shreyas Iyer:
In a team full of explosive batsmen, Delhi captain Shreyas Iyer delivered a performance of composure when his team needed the most. In 14 games this season, the 24-year-old captain 442 games at an average of 34.00 and a strike rate of 123.46. A lot will be expected off him during the playoffs.
Manish Pandey:
A huge chunk of credit for Hyderabad being able to get a spot in playoffs goes to Warner and Bairstow. But if you are to keep the duo aside, Hyderabad’s batting contingent was duly stabilized by Manish Pandey. Pandey, on several occasions this season, has held his fort and has steadily delivered positive performances even when the entire team looks bleak.
Andre Russell:
To say Kolkata was all about Andre Russell this season would be a massive understatement. 52 sixes in 14 games is a record that other batsmen would sweat to break. For Russell though, it seemed like a child’s play. His numbers after Kolkata’s elimination read; an average of 56.66 and strike rate of whopping 204.81.
MS Dhoni:
Despite having a positive start to the tournament, CSK failed to maintain the consistency as the tournament progressed. One man though was compatible throughout and delivered yet another performance of excellence for the fans and the faithful out there. MS Dhoni, who became the first batting captain to complete 4000 runs in the Indian T20 League, controlled his side to mere perfection, and despite coming down the order, he registered 368 runs (in nine innings) with an average of 122.66.
Hardik Pandya:
The Mumbai all-rounder has been a consistent performer for his side and his captain, Rohit Sharma, will be hoping that he carries on the momentum as the team enters the business end of the tournament. With the bat, the all-rounder has amazed 380 runs thus far at the average of impressive 47.50. With the ball, although he has leaked runs at times, he has proved out to be the clincher on several occasions.
Shreyas Gopal:
Delivering a performance his lifetime, the Rajasthan leg-spinner notched 20 wickets in 14 games this season and asserted his authority in absolute style. This coupled with his economy of mere 7.22 was praised not just by the faithful but by the cricketing fraternities as well.
Kagiso Rabada:
Delhi bowler, Kagiso Rabada, has been an absolute revelation of the Indian T20 League this season. Picking 25 wickets in mere 12 games, Rabada in one of the only three players to have notched two four-wicket hauls this season. All this coupled with his impressive precision and economy of 7.82 has made him one of the shining stars of the tournament.
Imran Tahir:
Just like his other two South African teammates, spinner Imran Tahir delivered reliable performances throughout for his team Chennai. Picking 21 wickets in 14 games, Tahir maintained his economy to mere 6.50 and proved out to be MS Dhoni’s vital cog during the tenure.
Jasprit Bumrah:
Arguably one of the best death-over specialists, Bumrah’s ability of picking wickets when it matters the most was against highlighted this season. 17 wickets in 14 games might sound a bit average but maintaining an economy of 6.78 despite being a pace bowler in a batsman-friendly tournament needs recognition.
