Going the right way: Best Right-handers XI in IPL history

The IPL is a platform where all the biggest superstars of cricket converge, and the fans get to witness some high-quality cricket. Innumerable players have been a part of the IPL since 2008, and the number of new players keeps increasing every season. With so much talent being on show, it is difficult to point out which players have been the best. To make our task slightly easier, instead of choosing an all-time eleven, here let us pick the best right-handers XI in IPL history.

1. Shane Watson

One of the most prolific players in the IPL, Shane Watson has been an integral part of the tournament since season 1 where he was the man of the season. His ability to attack bowlers right from the word go, and not having any particular weakness made him extremely lethal. He has been the complete all-rounder, having scored 3816 runs and picking 92 wickets.

2. Rohit Sharma

5000 runs in IPL for @ImRo45. Joins the likes of Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli.#Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/EDA7u30pZb

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 1, 2020

The 4-time IPL winning captain, Rohit Sharma is currently the third-highest run-getter in the IPL. He had been a proficient performer and has consistently scored runs year after year. He is easily one of the best pullers of the cricket ball, and has used the shot to great effect in his IPL career. In a long career, he has amassed 5114 runs and has also picked a hattrick.

3. Virat Kohli

The leading run-scorer in the IPL, Virat Kohli has been a force to reckon with. His aggressive style of batting and ability to pull off any chase have made him a legend of the IPL. His unbelievable season of 2016 saw him notch up 973 runs which included 4 tons. He also adds to the leadership group of this team, having had the experience of leading RCB since 2013. 5568 runs have come off the bat of Kohli till date, and in the kind of form he has been in the last few years, a lot more is surely yet to come.

4. AB de Villiers

Brothers in arms – @imVkohli and @ABdeVilliers17 #IPL @RCBTweetshttps://t.co/Mp1FWIJdiD

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 12, 2016

Mr 360, Ab de Villiers, has wowed the cricketing world, year after year, in the IPL. Along with Kohli, he has been a pillar for RCB, and won them several games all by his own. He also has the most number of man of the match awards in the history of the IPL, which goes to show the impact of the man. He has the unique ability to grind it out, as well as score at a strike rate of 200 right through the innings. His 4623 runs in the IPL have come at a phenomenal SR of 152.6.

5. M.S Dhoni(C & WK)

MS Dhoni, who has led his team Chennai Super Kings to 10 playoffs in 10 seasons, lifting the trophy thrice, is the perfect player for our middle order. He has perhaps been the most influential man in the IPL. Be it his finishing skills, captaincy nous or even the way he has gone about his business on the field, with a cool and calm head, he has been the biggest name in the IPL since its inception. He has scored 4565 runs, but his impact goes way beyond the numbers.

6. Kieron Pollard

A young Trinidadian made the world sit up and take notice in 2010, as he helped MI almost pull off the impossible. Although he couldn’t do it that year, he has played an integral role in each of MI’s 4 wins. Pollard has been the most important player for MI. Whenever he has done well, MI has done well. He has performed the most challenging role, of being a finisher with some gumption.

7. Hardik Pandya

A 16 ball 37* from @hardikpandya7 sees @mipaltan over the line here at Wankhede ?? pic.twitter.com/t2OsmcMclq

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 15, 2019

The dashing all-rounder, has risen swiftly up the ranks since 2015, and is currently one of the best all-rounders in the IPL. His fearless approach to batting, where he hasn’t been afraid to take on any bowler, has been his defining characteristic. Over the years, he has been extra brutal on spinners. While he hasn’t bowled this year, his useful medium pace and outstanding fielding, make him the perfect package in IPL.

8. Harbhajan Singh

The ‘turbanator’ is the 5^th highest wicket-taker in the IPL with 150 wickets. After spinning a web around the batsmen at the Wankhede, Harbhajan moved to CSK in 2018. He has always been a very intelligent cricketer, and he could deceive any batsman with his guile and flight. He is also useful with the bat down the order and fits in perfectly.

9. Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra is perhaps the most underrated and underappreciated player in the history of the IPL. The man has picked 160 wickets and sits at no 2 in the all-time wicket taker’s list. His unassuming nature was perhaps his biggest strength. By the time batsmen would realise his quality, they would have been dismissed by him. Being a leg spinner in T20 is a very hard task, but Mishra has done it with great results for 13 years.

10. Lasith Malinga

The highest wicket-taker in the IPL, the yorker king, Lasith Malinga has picked 170 wickets, despite missing two entire seasons. At his peak, it was almost impossible to get Malinga away. His toe-crushing yorkers would give even the best of batsmen nightmares. Like Harbhajan and Mishra, Malinga might be past his peak, but would perhaps be the first name on this particular list. He is arguably the greatest overseas player to have played the IPL as well.

11. Jasprit Bumrah

Purple Cap ✅
Double-wicket maiden ✅
Most wickets by an Indian pacer in a single @IPL season ✅

? Jassi jaisa koi nahi ?#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #MI #Dream11IPL #MIvDC @Jaspritbumrah93 pic.twitter.com/SzFHTxNpkV

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 5, 2020

Jasprit Bumrah has taken Malinga’s legacy ahead. Having learned the tricks of the trade from the Sri Lankan, Bumrah has been the go-to man for Mumbai Indians for almost half a decade now. If anyone comes close to delivering yorkers like Malinga, it is Bumrah. He is equally good at the death as well as in the powerplay and with 94 wickets, has been a star for MI.

All data as on 15th October 2020