Another exciting edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on the cards which will begin from March 23 with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) facing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Chepauk.
Meanwhile, the cash-rich league will step on its 12th edition in 2019, and the expectations are higher than ever. Over the years, the tournament has grown in reputation, making on breaking career of individual cricketers. Moreover, it also has been the breeding ground for many young cricketers. The league which commenced in 2008 have helped Indian National Cricket team create a strong bench strength in the last few years. Many players have gone on to play international cricket solely based on their performance in the IPL.
However, many cricketers have consistently performed well in all these years. Before another enthralling season, let us rewind and look at the consistent performers from the last 11 editions.
Here are the top five consistent performers in the history of IPL:
SURESH RAINA
Suresh Raina, whose international career may take a wrong turn, but he is still among the best in the IPL. The southpaw is currently the highest run-scorer in the IPL with 4,985 runs in 176 matches. He has been a phenomenon for the Chennai Super Kings.
Raina boasts an average of close to 35 and has been crucial for Chennai during three successful IPL campaigns. He also has one century against Kolkata Knight Riders and 35 fifties to his name. Along with his batting, Raina has been scintillating in the field changing games with spectacular catches. His ability to break partnerships with his gentle off-spin has been an advantage for MS Dhoni over the years.
With another exciting season on the cards, CSK will hope Suresh Raina to rise and deliver goods for their franchise.
GAUTAM GAMBHIR
Gautam Gambhir has inspired Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles before shifting to Delhi last year. He changed the atmosphere in Kolkata changing the temperament of the players. Gambhir eventually announced his retirement last year after stepping down from captaincy last year midway through the season.
In the 175 games Gambhir has played in the prestigious league, the southpaw has scored 3404 runs at an average of touch over 31. He also has 31 half-centuries to his name out of which most of them came in the winning cause. Also, his aggressive captaincy in the league stood out which grabbed eyeballs of cricket fans.
The tournament will certainly miss one of their greatest ever cricketers.
DINESH KARTHIK
Dinesh Karthik, who has featured for five different franchises over the years in the IPL, has been a consistent scorer for any side he has featured for. Along with his credentials with the bat, Karthik has affected the highest number of dismissals in the history of IPL.
In 168 matches that he has played so far, Karthik has completed as many as 124 dismissals as a wicket-keeper including 94 catches and 30 stumpings. He also has 3401 runs including 16 half-centuries with strike-rate touching 130’s.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) appointed him as the skipper of the franchise, and he did a good job with a young bunch. He led the team from the front with 498 runs from 16 games as KKR finished third in the league. The Kolkata franchise has added some experienced cricketers in their squad and will hope Karthik to lead the team to the title glory this time around.
MS DHONI
MS Dhoni has been associated with the Chennai Super Kings since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has led the franchise to three IPL titles and his ability to finish games makes him apart from the rest. He swift movements behind the stumps have made him one of the best wicket-keepers in the league.
In 175 games, Dhoni has scored 2906 runs with an average of over 140 including 20 half-centuries. He has won innumerable matches for Chennai in the cash-rich league. The former India skipper also has 87 catches and 33 stumpings to his name. Although MS Dhoni’s international career is in a down steep, he is still the best in this format when it comes to IPL.
Chennai made a historic comeback in the IPL when they lifted the trophy after returning to the league after two years. The management will want MS Dhoni to be in his top form and help their side defend the title.
LASITH MALINGA
The veteran fast bowler from Sri Lanka, Lasith Malinga has consistently proved his worth in the IPL. He is the highest wicket-taker in the league with 154 scalps in 110 matches.
Malinga boasts a bowling average of 19.01 and has a staggering strike rate of 16.61. Moreover, he has an economy rate of 6.86 and has four-wicket hauls on four occasions besides a five-wicket haul as well. He has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians set up which has won the title three times.
In the last season, Malinga served as the mentor for the franchise. However, Mumbai Indians have once again availed the service of this legendary pacer for the upcoming IPL.