IPL 2024: The Best of the Best

As the IPL 2024 season wraps up, it’s time to celebrate the players who truly made a mark. ESPNcricinfo’s selection for the team of the tournament, based on Smart Stats, showcases the top performers who brought excitement and excellence to the field. Here’s a closer look at the cricketing maestros who made it to the final XI.

Virat Kohli: The Run Machine

Virat Kohli dominated the batting charts with 741 runs at a strike rate of 154.69. Reinventing his T20 approach, Kohli’s aggressive play against spin and consistent scoring made him the season's leading run-scorer by a wide margin. His ability to go past 25 in 11 out of 15 innings underscores his reliability and impact.

Sunil Narine: The Ultimate All-Rounder

Sunil Narine had a season to remember, scoring 488 runs with a strike rate of 180.74 and taking 17 wickets at an economy rate of 6.69. Narine’s dual role as a destructive opener and a middle-over strangler with the ball was unparalleled, earning him the highest Impact Rating of the tournament. His partnership with Phil Salt and his synergy with Varun Chakravarthy in the bowling attack were pivotal to his team’s success.

Sanju Samson: The Consistent Performer

Sanju Samson enjoyed his best IPL season, accumulating 531 runs at a strike rate of 153.46. Despite a dip in form towards the end, Samson’s early contributions were vital for Rajasthan Royals. His ability to score consistently at No. 3 made him a standout performer in the league.

Riyan Parag: The Middle-Order Anchor

Riyan Parag emerged as a key player for Rajasthan Royals, scoring 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.21. Parag’s versatility allowed him to adapt to different match situations, often guiding the team through tricky periods. His dominance in the middle overs set him apart as a crucial middle-order batsman.

Nicholas Pooran: The Finisher

Nicholas Pooran’s explosive batting in the lower middle order was a highlight for Lucknow Super Giants. Scoring 499 runs at a strike rate of 178.21, Pooran’s ability to maintain a high strike rate in challenging positions made him indispensable. His late-season form ensured strong finishes for his team.

Tristan Stubbs: The Death Overs Specialist

Tristan Stubbs made a name for himself with his incredible strike rate of 190.90, particularly excelling in the death overs. His ability to score 223 runs off just 75 balls in the final overs, with a strike rate of 297.33, was unmatched. Stubbs’ performance in the last four overs was a game-changer.

Andre Russell: The Game Changer

Andre Russell contributed significantly both with bat and ball. Despite limited opportunities to bat, his strike rate of 185.00 and tally of 19 wickets highlighted his all-round prowess. Russell’s ability to take key wickets and score quickly made him an invaluable asset.

Kuldeep Yadav: The Spin Wizard

Kuldeep Yadav’s 16 wickets at an economy rate of 8.65 stood out in Delhi Capitals’ otherwise expensive bowling attack. His effectiveness in the middle overs, where he took 13 wickets, provided crucial breakthroughs and controlled the game’s tempo.

Harshit Rana: The Consistent Contender

Harshit Rana’s consistent performances across all phases of the game earned him 19 wickets. His ability to adapt to different match situations and maintain a steady economy rate made him a reliable option for his captain throughout the season.

Jasprit Bumrah: The Death Over Specialist

Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler of IPL 2024, with 20 wickets and an economy rate of 6.48. His exceptional performance in the death overs, where he conceded only 6.06 runs per over, set him apart from his peers. Bumrah’s ability to deliver under pressure was crucial for his team.

Sandeep Sharma: The Powerplay Maestro

Sandeep Sharma’s disciplined bowling in the powerplay and death overs was vital. With an economy rate of 7.6 in the powerplay and 10.07 at the death, Sharma consistently provided early breakthroughs and controlled the scoring rate in critical phases of the game.

Impact Subs: Rajat Patidar and Varun Chakravarthy

Rajat Patidar’s late-season surge with a strike rate of 195.89 and Varun Chakravarthy’s 21 wickets, particularly in the middle overs, were instrumental. Both players made significant impacts when they were brought in, proving their worth in key moments.

Honorable Mentions

Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma were exceptional as openers, with Head scoring 567 runs at a strike rate of 191.55 and Sharma hitting 42 sixes. Trent Boult’s powerplay prowess also deserves recognition, with 12 wickets in the first six overs.

These players, selected through ESPNcricinfo’s Smart Stats, represent the best of IPL 2024. Their performances have not only entertained but also showcased the highest levels of cricketing skill and strategic impact. As we celebrate these cricketing greats, we look forward to more thrilling performances in future seasons.