New Delhi: The Indian Premier League season 9 will undoubtedly be remembered for Virat Kohli’s record-breaking performances but there have been other players too who have shined with bat or ball or both and need to be counted among the top performers of this season. Let’s take a look at the ongoing IPL’s five best players and their performances:
Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
With his excellent batting form, Kohli broke almost every batting record in the Indian Premier League. He became the first player ever to breach the 900-run landmark in the IPL and also the only batsman to smash four centuries in a single season. Other than these four tons, he also has six half-centuries to his name. His 113-run inning off just 50 balls in the rain-affected 15 overs match helped RCB reach the play-offs.
AB de Villiers (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
De Villiers has played no less a role than Virat Kohli in RCB’s journey to the IPL final. Apart from his fiery shots all around the wicket, ABD also showed his ability to absorb pressure in the first qualifier against Gujarat Lions. With the team at one point struggling at 29/5, De Villiers came to the rescue and with 79 runs off just 50 balls he guided RCB to the final. Don’t forget his 129-run inning from just 52 balls against Gujarat in which he smashed 10 boundaries and 12 sky-high sixes.
David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
If Sunrisers Hyderabad managed to enter the IPL final for the first time, its captain David Warner who is to be credited. With his heroic 93 runs off just 58 balls against table-toppers Gujarat Lions in the second qualifier, Warner singlehandedly guided the team to the final. He has already scored 779 runs in sixteen matches so far including eight half-centuries.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Kumar was an underrated bowler before the start of IPL 9. However, in the absence of Ashish Nehra in the eliminator, he showcased some excellent bowling performance with the ball. In the elimination match against KKR, Bhuvneshwar took four wickets giving away just 19 runs in his 4-over slot. Currently holding the Purple Cap, he has grabbed 23 wickets in 16 matches.
Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
The reason why Andre Russell should be counted in the top five performers of the IPL 9 is his all-round performance with the bat and ball. Coming at No. 6 or 7, he has scored 188 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 165 and has also bagged 15 wickets. Russell has surely played a key role in KKR’s successful journey in this season.
