Batting, bowling, and fielding contributions are invaluable in any format. But in T20 cricket this is even more true as a matter of seconds can change a match. The most successful teams in this format tended to have world-class all-rounders. Remember the West Indies team that won the World T20 in 2016? Mumbai Indian and Pandya brothers. Chennai Super Kings with Bravo, and Jadeja. This article will focus specifically on the best all-rounders in IPL history.
1. Ben Stokes (RPS, RR, CSK)
New Zealand-born British cricketer Ben Stokes is one of the greatest all-rounders in the modern game. An explosive batsman and an effective fast bowler, Stokes has played a big role in some of England's most recent victories, including the 2022 T20 World Cup, the 2019 World Cup, and a thrilling victory at Headingley. In 45 games he has scored 935 runs at a strike rate of 133.95 including 2 centuries and taken 28 wickets with best figures of 3/15.
2. Glenn Maxwell (MI, DD, KXIP, RCB)
An explosive batter, Glenn Maxwell, has shown fireworks in the shortest format with his batting performance and powerful shots. Maxwell is one of those cricketers who always gets a lot of attention at IPL auctions. A great fielder who can contribute off-spin, the Australian can serve as a floater within the line-up. In 124 matches he has scored 2719 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 157.62 including 18 half centuries, with the ball although underutilised he has taken 31 wickets with best figures of 2/15.
3. Chris Morris (CSK, RR, DD, RCB)
Morris, who started his IPL journey with the Chennai Super Kings and was part of the Rajasthan Royals later also represented Delhi, all thanks to his brilliant death bowling abilities and to play big shots at the back end of innings. In IPL 2020 he played for RCB and performed well as the death bowler. In 81 matches he took 95 wickets with best figures of 4/23 and an impressive economy of 8.01 along with scoring 618 runs at a strike rate of 155.28.
4. Hardik Pandya (MI, GT)
If there's one thing that sets Hardik Pandya apart from other young cricketers, it's his immense confidence. The flamboyant All-rounder is never affected by pressure and enjoys such situations. A power hitter and fast-bowling all-rounder, Hardik ticks off everything a team wants in an all-rounder. In 123 matches the Gujarat skipper has scored 2309 runs at a strike rate of 145.86 and taken 53 wickets with best figures of 3/17.
5. Sunil Narine (KKR)
Sunil Narine has been leading KKR's bowling for many years. These days, his batting getting more attention than bowling. He was noted for suspicious behaviour, forcing him to change his bowling. But when Narine was promoted to open, he made up for it with his batting skills. In 162 matches, he has taken 163 wickets at an economy and best figure of 6.73 and 5/19 alongside scoring 1046 runs at 159.69.
6. Shane Watson (RR, RCB, CSK)
Shane Watson, perhaps the greatest limited overall rounder of our time, was the ideal player for white ball cricket. He had a strong power play and could handle pace and spin with equal ease, but he was also a clever, medium-paced player himself. He scored 3874 runs with 4 centuries in as many as 145 games also taking 92 wickets with best returns of 4/29.
7. Ravindra Jadeja (RR, CSK, GL)
Ravindra Jadeja has always been the man MS Dhoni can turn to when the partnership needs to end, and the left-hand spinner has worked well on many occasions. His presence gives Dhoni an extra cushion to supply extra hitters when needed. Jadeja has been shrouded in mystery ever since he entered international cricket.In 226 matches he has scored 2692 runs and taken 152 wickets with best figures of 5/16.
8. Kieron Pollard (MI)
A veteran of the Mumbai Indians, "Polly" has been with the team through hard and good times. He watched MI become champions and he watched them lose. An explosive hitter, Kieron Pollard is also a useful medium-fast bowler with subtle variations. After 189 games he has 3412 runs at 147.32 and 69 wickets with best returns of 4/44.
9. Dwayne Bravo (MI, GL, CSK)
Dwayne Bravo is one of the most flamboyant players in the world. He brings Caribbean spice to IPL and typical West Indian flair. Having played in many leagues around the world, Bravo has extensive knowledge of the game and a good understanding of the technical aspects of the game. After playing 161 matches he has scored 1560 runs and taken 183 wickets with best bowling as 4/22
10. Andre Russell (DD, KKR)
Explosive Caribbean all-rounder, Andre Russell is one of the Indian Premier League's hottest talents. He has proven himself many times in the past with impressive batting and bowling performances for KKR. After featuring in 112 matches he has scored 2262 runs at a strike rate of 174 along with picking 96 wickets, having 5/15 as his best bowling figures.
