In the Indian Premier League, all-rounders have always been in high demand (IPL). At auctions throughout the years, all-rounders have always commanded more money than specialized hitters or bowlers. The clearest example is Chris Morris, who, at INR 16.25 crore, holds the record for the most expensive signing in league history. All-rounders are in high demand since they can contribute to two different departments. Top-quality all-rounders are also hard to come by, which is why IPL clubs are always willing to pay a premium for players who can do both tasks effectively.
The IPL has featured some of the world’s top all-rounders over the past 14 seasons. We’ll take a look at the top five all-around players ahead of the league’s 2022 season.
Kieron Pollard: The Mumbai Indians recruited Caribbean sensation Kieron Pollard in 2010, and he has been a member of the team ever since. Pollard has accumulated 3,268 runs with a strike rate of over 150 in 178 games in the league. With his medium speed, he has taken 65 wickets, including one four-wicket haul. Aside from that, the big guy has made some incredible deep catches for the Mumbai-based company.
Dwayne Bravo: Despite his retirement from international cricket, Dwayne Bravo’s all-round excellence was in high demand during the IPL mega auction. In 151 appearances in the league, the experienced batsman has scored 1,537 runs, hitting 121 fours and 65 sixes. In the league, he has also taken 167 wickets. Bravo is a previous Purple Cap champion and one of the league’s all-time leading wicket-takers.
Sunil Narine: The Kolkata Knight Riders’ great began his career as a specialist bowler, but as the years passed, he evolved into a match-winning all-rounder. In the IPL, Narine has 143 wickets and 954 runs to his credit. His batting average is 161.69, and he has a 6.79 economy rate.
Ravindra Jadeja: With the Rajasthan Royals, Ravindra Jadeja won the Indian Premier League’s first season. Before joining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2012, he played a few more games for the Royals and subsequently Kochi Tuskers Kerala.
For CSK, Jadeja has been a game-changer. He has appeared in 132 games for the team, accumulating 1,324 runs with a 135.79% strike percentage. For the franchise, Jadeja has taken 100 wickets, including four four-wicket hauls. He, like Kieron Pollard, has been an outstanding fielder.
Shane Watson : Shane Watson was named Man of the Series in the first season of the Indian Premier League. Watson began his career with the Rajasthan Royals before going on to play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Chennai Super Kings. In the league, the former Australian all-rounder has 3,874 runs and 92 wickets to his name. He is one of the few players in IPL history to score a century and a hat-trick in the same game.
Source: sportskeeda.com