Ranking the most valuable player on this platform is a tough task. Statistics and consistency are the factors which make a player valuable.IPL 2018 has already brought so much of excitement; almost every match is getting close and predicting which team will win or lose has become difficult.
Keeping statistics and consistency of a player I gave it a try:
#5 Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga has been a game changer always, the best death bowler in the history of IPL. He is one of the greatest bowlers of all time and he has rightfully earned his spot in this list.
In 110 matches, he has taken 154 wickets under his belt with the economy of 6.84. You will not often see such a good economy that too in T20’s. His record of 154 wickets in IPL will be difficult to break.
#4 Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle, the highest run scorer in T20 format is often considered as one of the greatest entertainers of IPL. Currently enjoying his place in Kings XI Punjab.
No one can predict about Chris that whether he is in form or out of the form. If he is on the crease for a long time the one thing is sure he will do a lot of damage to his opposition. He can single handed win the match for his team. In 106 matches he has scored 3928 runs with the strike rate of 151.42. His highest score is 175 in IPL which is nearly about the average score of teams in an inning. Also holds the record of hitting the most number of sixes with 290.
#3 Shane Watson
Probably the best All-rounder in IPL has led me to choose him in the place of AB De Villiers. He is the most consistent all-rounder that I have ever known.
Currently playing for Chennai Super Kings and enjoying playing under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. This 36 years old has scored 2950 runs in 110 matches with the strike rate of 140.54 and also taken 92 wickets under his belt. These stats are enough to tell you that why he on this list.
#2 Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina
Virat Kohli, a player on whom you can bet all your money. If you will talk about consistency then you will never find a better player than him. The RCB captain is one of the most loyal cricketers in this format. His aggression and determination to the sport justify his passion for the sport, this right-handed batsman always tries to test his limits and this why he is one of the leading scorers of IPL.
In 158 matches, Kohli has scored 4775 run with the strike rate of 130.25.
To not giving a place Suresh Raina in this list would be unfair. Suresh Raina is currently the leading scorer of IPL. He has been retained by CSK in IPL 2018. He has been the most loyal player for CSK after Dhoni.
Suresh Raina is a visual treat for the spectators in this shortest form of cricket. A solid striker of the ball, he possesses the rare quality of performing well under pressure. Batting in the top order, Raina has mastered the art of finishing games. The left-handed batsman is also a part-time off-break bowler who often provides that crucial breakthrough at the right time. To add to his talent with the bat and the ball, Raina is a livewire on the field with good reflexes. He has scored 4801 runs so far in IPL in 170 matches with the strike rate of 138.79.
#1 Mahendra Singh Dhoni
He is probably the best finisher of limited over formats the world has ever seen. His ability to observe the game and change the game on his own has brought him at the top of the list. Some of his decision on the field will make you scratch your head.
Having won IPL 2 times for Chennai Super Kings and also CSK is the most consistent team of IPL. If you have to bet all your money on which team will go to semi-finals then you can bet blindly on CSK.
If playing under pressure is an art then MS is Picasso of it. A batting powerhouse, MS Dhoni possesses the ability to destroy different bowling attacks on his own. The calmness and composure in his demeanor along with a sharp cricketing brain accounts for a lethal combination on the cricketing field and the glistening silverware in the trophy cabinets at CSK are a testimony to his extraordinary leadership skills. He has scored 3921 runs in IPL in 169 matches with a strike rate of 138.99.
Honourable Mentions: Rohit Sharma, David Warner, AB de Villers
