All-Time Best Finishers in IPL - MS Dhoni, No.1 Finisher in IPL

In a league known for its nail-biting finishes, focusing on the ultimate match-winner is important for any betting strategy. We have always been committed to keeping you informed about the top players in the IPL, whether they are the best fielders or spinners. As part of this effort, we have a new topic that interests you - the best finishers in IPL history.

From the GOAT Dhoni to new players like Rinku Singh and Rishabh Pant, we have listed those players who have helped their team score the maximum runs in the last overs of the match. With this blog, we aim to provide you with all the latest information about the IPL, and we hope this new topic will give you valuable insights.

Join us as we explore what makes these batsmen special and highlight the standout performances of the IPL’s finest finishers.

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10 Best Finishers in the IPL

In cricket, a finisher is a player who excels in guiding their team to victory, specifically in the death overs. In the closing stage of the match, the player executes big shots and chases down targets with finesse.

Let’s talk about the top 10 players known for their exceptional finishing skills in the IPL.

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni

The former captain of Team India and well-known as “Captain Cool,” Dhoni sits at the top of the IPL's best finishers table. He has played the most matches (258) and captained the most games, close to 226. In the IPL, Dhoni has scored 5173 runs in the death overs with a strike rate of 137.07 and hit 247 sixes so far.

Apart from being the best captain in the IPL, he’s one such IPL player who holds the record for most dismissals, catches, and stumpings as a wicketkeeper. His knack for finishing games with last-over heroics has become legendary, earning him the title of "best finisher in the entire IPL."

2. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers has been a finisher par excellence with his versatility and ability to score maximum runs in the death overs. He played some of the best innings for his RCB team between 2011 and 2021.

In his 184 matches in the IPL, the South African cricketer has scored 5162 runs with a strike rate of 151.69, which ranks 13th of all time, and hit 251 sixes. What is most impressive is his death over batting, which makes the match even more interesting. His ability to accelerate the run rate makes him a valuable asset in any team's win.

3. Kieron Pollard

This West Indies player has played some of his best matches internationally and in the IPL and scored 5000 runs in the death overs, including 1700 in his IPL journey. Pollard made his IPL debut in 2010 for Mumbai Indians and was considered one of the important yet powerful players of the franchise.

His best IPL knock came in the 2021 IPL when he scored an unbeaten 87 runs off 34 balls against CSK in Delhi. Pollard announced his retirement in 2022 and is guiding the MI team as their batting coach.

4. Andre Russell

Some of Andre’s best performances came in the final four overs of the IPL. With his six-hitting ability, he has been named the tournament MVP twice at the Kolkata Knight Riders. Thanks to his finishing, KKR won crucial matches, with the highlight being an unbeaten 48 off just 13 deliveries to help them chase down 205 against RCB in 2019.

5. Glenn Maxwell

The Australian powerhouse, Glenn Maxwell, has left an indelible mark in the IPL with his explosive batting. Renowned for his ability to accelerate innings in crucial moments, Maxwell has single-handedly turned the tide of matches with his aggressive stroke play.

He played his best IPL in 2014, hitting 552 runs on an average of 34.50. His fearless approach to batting and his versatility helped Punjab as he took the team to their first IPL final. Throughout IPL, Maxwell has scored 2751 runs in 131 matches at an average of 25.24, 95 being his highest.

6. Hardik Pandya

India’s best finisher at the moment, Pandya, initially played for Mumbai Indians in 2015 and was transformed into a fiery middle-order batsman in T20 cricket. While he may not have Dhoni or de Villiers flair, his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed cannot be overlooked. Over his time in the IPL, he has amassed 2460 runs at an average of 29.64 and a strike rate of 145.65.

He is in our IPL best finishers list as he has shown impressive performance several times. His journey from being a leg spinner until he was 18 to transitioning to fast bowling at the urging of Baroda coach Sanath Kumar showcases his remarkable adaptability and evolution as a cricketer.

7. David Miller

The South African batsman David Miller is another name on our list who is considered one of the best finishers in IPL history. Known for his clean hitting and calm demeanour under pressure, Miller has rescued his team from difficult situations numerous times.

He has played for multiple teams, including the Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans, and helped them win on several occasions. Miller’s best IPL knock came for Punjab in the 2013 IPL when he scored 101* runs off just 38 balls while chasing the 191 target set by RCB.

His knack for finding the boundaries when needed the most and finishing matches with finesse has earned him admiration from fans and fellow cricketers alike.

8. Rishabh Pant

He is a dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batsman who has emerged as one of the most exciting finishers in IPL seasons. Rishabh Pant has played some memorable and team-winning knocks for Delhi Capitals throughout the years.

In 2018, he smashed his highest score - an unbeaten 128 runs off just 63 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Pant didn’t play 2023 IPL as he was recovering from his major car accident happened in December 2022. This year, Pant is back and leading the DC team as their captain.

9. Chris Morris

The South African all-rounder Chris Morris has earned a reputation for his game-changing performances as one of the IPL best finishers. His ability to strike big blows in the death overs with both bat and ball has been instrumental in turning the tide of matches.

He scored his highest score - unbeaten 82 runs off 32 balls with eight sixes and four fours in 2016 against Gujarat Lions while playing for Delhi Capitals. Morris's cool-headedness under pressure and clean striking make him a valuable asset for any team needing a strong finish.

10. Rinku Singh

The emerging Indian batsman Rinku Singh has showcased his potential as a promising finisher in the IPL. Despite being relatively new to the scene, Singh has impressed fans with his ability to score quick runs in the death overs.

He has delivered some memorable knocks, especially in the 2023 IPL, where he smashed five consecutive sixes against GT’s Yash Dayal in the last over and helped KKR win this exciting match. Throughout his IPL career, Rinku has played 40 matches and amassed 848 runs at an average of 32.62. He's set to become one of the IPL and Indian team's top finishers in the years ahead.

With their remarkable ability to finish matches in style, these cricketers have surely left an indelible mark on the league. Their performance in the death overs has turned the tides of many games, helping them secure victories for their respective teams.

While Dhoni's unparalleled mastery of the art of finishing sets him apart, de Villiers, Pollard's, Rinku and other cricketers’ brilliance cannot be discounted. Ultimately, they can seize the moment and deliver when it matters most which truly defines a great finisher in the IPL.

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FAQs Related to Best Finishers in IPL History

1. Is AB de Villiers a better finisher than Virat Kohli?

While de Villiers possesses exceptional skills and versatility, Kohli's consistency and ability to anchor an innings give him a competitive edge in certain situations.

2. How is the world's best finisher in IPL determined?

The world's best finisher in IPL is often determined based on factors such as their ability to chase down targets, their strike rate in the death overs, and their consistency in finishing matches with a flourish.

3. What role does the IPL best finisher play?

To be called the best finisher in the IPL, a player has to provide stability and firepower in the late stages of an innings, ensuring that the team reaches or defends a competitive total.

4. Who is the king of deathovers in IPL?

The title of "king of death overs" in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is often attributed to Mahendra Singh Dhoni. However, other players such as AB de Villiers and Hardik Pandya have also showcased their proficiency in scoring runs during the death overs, contributing significantly to their teams' success.