Undoubtedly, IPL is the most expensive and biggest T20 league in the world. That's why every player wants to play in the IPL. It is a dream for every player to perform for their teams to prove themselves, and getting the Most Valuable Players award in IPL is one of the most significant achievements for the players. So, let's look at the ten Most Valuable Players in each IPL Season.
1. Shane Watson (2008)
IPL 2008 was the inaugural season of IPL, and Rajasthan Royals was that season's Champion. One of the main reasons behind Rajasthan's win was Shane Watson, who always played a crucial role for Rajasthan Royals. In IPL 2008, Shane Watson became the Season's Most Valuable Player. In that IPL season, Shane Watson was the fourth-highest run-scorer and wickets-taker, as he scored 472 runs and took 17 wickets. Even in the big stages, like the semi-final, Shane Watson played a crucial role as he was awarded the Man of the Match award in the IPL 2008 semi-finals.
2. Sachin Tendulkar (2010)
In IPL 2010, it was the first time for Mumbai Indians to reach the finals. One of the leading players of Mumbai Indians in that season was Sachin Tendulkar. After not performing according to his standard in previous IPL seasons, Sachin Tendulkar was ready to serve his team exceptionally and did it very well. In IPL 2010, Sachin Tendulkar scored 618 runs in 15 matches with an average of 47.54. Even in that season, Sachin Tendulkar was the orange cap holder and the highest run-scorer of IPL 2010. His dedication and performance were worthwhile for Mumbai Indians, and Sachin Tendulkar also deserved the Most Valuable Player award.
3. Chris Gayle (2011)
Chris Gayle is one of the most destructive batsmen ever to play IPL; his stats prove that. Till today, he is a batsman who has smashed the most sixes in IPL. In IPL 2011, RCB performed very well, and they even reached the finals as well. That season, Chris Gayle performed exceptionally, scoring 608 runs in 12 matches with an impeccable average of 67.56 and a fantastic strike rate of 183. Chris Gayle was even the orange cap holder of IPL 2011. By his performance, RCB reached the finals, and Chris Gayle was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the Season award.
4. Sunil Narine (2012)
Despite getting a poor start in IPL 2012, KKR managed to qualify for playoffs and even won the IPL 2012. For that, KKR won 6 consecutive matches in a row, and one of their leading players was Sunil Narine. Sunil Narine has always been one of the most important players for KKR; every time, he also proves it. In IPL 2012, Sunil Narine took 24 wickets with an economy rate of 5.48. His exceptional performance was one of the main reasons for KKR's win in IPL 2012, for which he was awarded the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2012.
5. Glenn Maxwell (2014)
In IPL 2014, Kings XI Punjab reached the finals for the first time. After 2014, their performances could have been better as they could not qualify after IPL 2014. In IPL 2014, Punjab had plenty of match-winners, and Glenn Maxwell was one of them. In that season, Glenn Maxwell played 16 matches in which he scored 552 runs with an average of 34.5. Glenn Maxwell was the third-highest run-scorer of that season, which is a big thing for a middle-order batsman. For his impactful performance for his team, Glenn Maxwell became the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2014.
6. Virat Kohli (2016)
In IPL 2016, Virat Kohli was at the peak of his career and did something that no batter has done until today. In IPL 2016, Virat Kohli scored 973 runs in 16 matches with an unbelievable average of 81 with a fantastic strike rate of 152. It was the same season where RCB came the closest to winning the IPL trophy, but unfortunately, they could not. In the same way, Virat Kohli scored four centuries in a single IPL season, which is the most by a batsman. His efforts and exceptional performance helped RCB dominate that season, for which Virat Kohli became the Most Valuable Player of the IPL 2016.
7. Andre Russell (2019)
Andre Russell is one of the most destructive players in today's era. When he is in his prime, every bowler fears bowling him, and the same Russell did in IPL 2019. In IPL 2019, everyone witnessed the most destructive batting of Andre Russell. That season, he scored 510 runs in 14 matches with an average of 56.67 and an unbelievable strike rate of 204. In IPL 2019, he hit 52 sixes, the second-highest by any batsman in a season of IPL. Andre Russell got the Most Valuable Player award of IPL 2019 for his destructive batting and unbelievable performance.
8. Harshal Patel (2021)
IPL 2021 was the turning point of Harshal Patel's career as he became the purple cap holder by taking the most wickets this season. In IPL 2021, Harshal Patel took 32 wickets, the highest by any Indian bowler in a single season of IPL. Harshal Patel was one of the main reasons for RCB's success in IPL 2021. For giving an excellent performance in IPL 2021, Harshal Patel impressed everyone and became the Most Valuable Player of that season.
9. Joss Buttler (2022)
Joss Buttler is one of the finest overseas players currently playing IPL. In IPL 2022, Jos Buttler showed his excellence and won many matches for his team. He was one of the leading players who helped to take his team to the finals. In the Qualifier match against RCB, he scored a century and took Rajasthan Royals to the finals. That season, Joss Buttler scored 863 runs in 17 matches with a fantastic average of 57.53 and a strike rate 149. Joss Buttler was the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2022 for his impactful performance.
10. Shubman Gill (2023)
Shubman Gill is one of the finest young batsmen in the world, and he is a bright future for the Indian cricket team. In IPL 2023, Shubman Gill was just some runs away from breaking Virat Kohli's most runs records. In 17 matches, Shubman Gill scored 890 runs with an impressive average of 59.33. By his mind-bowling batting performance, Gujarat Titans reached the finals. Unfortunately, they could not win the finals, but Shubman Gill got the Most Valuable Player of the Match award.
