The best all-rounder in IPL takes center stage when it comes to impact. These players are true assets, delivering with both bat and ball and often shifting the momentum of a game single-handedly. From securing crucial breakthroughs to smashing quick runs, all-rounders play a pivotal role in their teams’ success.
Teams like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Titans have consistently relied on their all-rounders to maintain dominance in the league. Whether it’s the big-hitting prowess of Kieron Pollard, the finishing skills of Ravindra Jadeja, or the game-changing performances of Ben Stokes, the best allrounder in IPL history has left an indelible mark on the tournament.
Best All-Rounders in IPL History
Player | Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Strike Rate | Wickets | Bowling Average |
Shane Watson | 145 | 3874 | 30.99 | 137.91 | 92 | 29.15 |
Dwayne Bravo | 161 | 1560 | 22.56 | 129.57 | 183 | 23.82 |
Kieron Pollard | 189 | 3412 | 28.67 | 147.32 | 69 | 31.59 |
Andre Russell | 126 | 2484 | 29.22 | 174.93 | 115 | 23.01 |
Ravindra Jadeja | 240 | 2959 | 29.40 | 129.72 | 160 | 30.40 |
Jacques Kallis | 98 | 2427 | 28.55 | 109.23 | 65 | 35.28 |
Hardik Pandya | 137 | 2525 | 28.69 | 145.62 | 64 | 33.59 |
Ben Stokes | 43 | 920 | 25.56 | 134.5 | 28 | 34.79 |
Sunil Narine | 176 | 1534 | 17.04 | 165.84 | 180 | 25.39 |
Chris Morris | 81 | 618 | 22.07 | 155.28 | 95 | 24.16 |
These players are essential for their teams since they have established a legacy of excellence, which never seems to run out. The above table reveals names that have been integral to their respective teams for an extended period. These names include the likes of Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard, both of whom have served the Mumbai Indians well. Meanwhile, there are Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, who have served KKR the same way. Then, there are the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo, who have turned up for CSK and won many matches for them.
However, not everything is bright and sunny. Ben Stokes, one of the best allrounders in international cricket, also appears in this table. He won the 2019 ODI World Cup for England. However, when it came to the IPL, he struggled. This fact shows that proving yourself in the IPL was never easy.
Best Allrounder in IPL 2024
It was Kolkata Knight Riders’ Sunil Narine, the best all-rounder in the latest edition of the IPL. He opened the innings and sent the bowlers on a leather hunt. Later on, he wrecked the opposition with his unorthodox spin bowling. He won the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award for scoring 488 runs and taking 17 wickets. This was not his first MVP award!
- Scored 488 runs
- Picked up 17 wickets
- Notable Performance: Smashed 81 off just 39 balls and picked up a wicket against Lucknow Super Giants.
Best Allrounder in IPL 2023
Ravindra Jadeja excelled in the 2023 edition. He managed to score 190 runs and complemented it with 20 wickets. Thanks to his all-round performance, he lifted the trophy as CSK beat Gujarat Titans in the epic final.
- He scored 190 runs with the bat.
- Accounted for 20 wickets with the ball
- Notable Performance: 3/20 vs. Mumbai Indians
Jadeja turned out to be the finest allrounder in IPL 2023. His capacity to produce under duress emphasised his value to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Best Allrounder in IPL 2022
Undoubtedly, it has to be Hardik Pandya who was the best allrounder in the 2022 season. As captain, he guided the Gujarat Titans to their first-ever title in their inaugural season. He went on to pick 8 wickets but accounted for 487 runs with the bat. And on most of the occasions, he came into bat in the top four, which was unusual for a player like him.
- Scored 487 runs
- Picked up 8 wickets
- Notable Performance: In the IPL Final, he picked up figures of 3/17. He also scored a crucial 34 runs with the bat.
Best Allrounder in IPL 2021
Andre Russell of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was amazing with his remarkable exploits in IPL 2021. Principal highlights from his season:
- He scored 183 runs.
- He accounted for 11 wickets.
- Notable performance: Picked up his maiden five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians.
Russell’s devastating batting and accurate bowling helped KKR reach the final, cementing his status as a premier all-rounder; however, they lost to CSK.
Who Is The Best Allrounder in IPL?
When someone is looking to find the answer to this question, he or she will have to take into account a number of factors, including consistency, impact, and adaptability. Taking his entire package into account, Australia’s Shane Watson truly deserves this honour. Not only he made a brand for himself playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural season, he later moved to CSK and became a key player for them, shining with bat and ball consistently. He even won them the 2018 final single-handedly with the bat. Here are some other reasons:
- Watson is unique in that he can deliver with both bat and ball regularly. He is perhaps the only allrounder able to open the innings.
- Watson consistently rose to the most crucial moments, from the IPL finals to pivotal playoff games. Both for CSK and RR.
- Legacy: Watson’s achievements remain unparalleled, having two IPL titles and an MVP award.
Final Thoughts
Becoming the best allrounder in IPL history is not a small feat. It can’t be earned just by maintaining your superiority over numbers. You will have to show your performance under pressure. Each all-rounder above demonstrated consistency or exceptional performance under pressure, particularly in knockout games such as semi-finals or finals.
Besides the above-mentioned names who have dazzled in recent years, we can’t forget names like Shane Watson and Dwayne Bravo, who initially raised their standards in the competition. This inspired the next generation of players. Fans eagerly anticipate the next generation of all-rounders emerging at cricket’s premier stage, the IPL, in 2025.
FAQs
Shane Watson is the most consistent all-rounder in IPL history due to his impactful performances over multiple seasons.
Andre Russell holds the record for the highest strike rate among all-rounders, showcasing his explosive batting skills.
Yes, Shane Watson won the MVP award twice—in 2008 and 2013, recognizing his excellence.