IPL 2016 is history. Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Royal Challengers Bangalore, and more importantly saw off the threat from AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, to emerge as the new champions of the IPL. For RCB, this represents their third defeat in three finals. They would be wondering if they are ever going to win the IPL. This was their best chance yet, and they have fluffed it.
Anyway, let’s talk about the top performers of IPL 2016. Don’t be surprised if there are a number of players from RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad in this list.
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#1. Virat Kohli – 973 runs, 152.03 strike rate
Virat has established himself as the best batsman in the world today. His performance in IPL 2016 was extraordinary. He made close to 1000, destroyed every attack with test match style batting. Pity he failed to win the IPL at the last hurdle.
#2. David Warner – 848 runs, 151.42 strike rate
Warner was the man who won the Indian Premier League for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His batting was brilliant, and his captaincy was outstanding. He was the standout performer for Sunrisers.
#3. AB de Villiers – 687 runs, 168.79 strike rate
AB matched his friend Virat in every way and made close to 700 runs in the IPL. He did everything right, but failed in the final, which cost his team in the IPL.
#4. KL Rahul – 397 runs, 146.49 strike rate, five catches, four stumpings
Rahul is a test player who had an outstanding IPL. He batted well, making four fifties and replaced Chris Gayle when he wasn’t performing. His wicketkeeping was decent too.
#5. Yusuf Pathan – 361 runs, 145.56 strike rate
Pathan finished the IPL with an amazing average of 72.20. He smashed every attack and looked in control. His bowling was good too. By far the best player for KKR.
#6. Chris Morris – 195 runs, 178.89 strike rate, 13 wickets, 7.00 economy rate
Morris put in a superb all-round performance in the IPL 2016. He made lots of runs, including a 17-ball fifty. His bowling was fast and furious.
#7. Krunal Pandya – 237 runs, 191.12 strike rate, six wickets, 7.57 economy rate
Krunal Pandya was the best player for Mumbai Indians. Nobody can forget his brilliant 86 off 37 balls. He is an aggressive batsman and a very good spinner, fast and accurate.
#8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 23 wickets, 7.42 economy rate
Bhuvneshwar Kumar showed that he is a completely new player than he used to be. He is much faster now, and bowls with great control. He was the leading wicket taker in the IPL.
#9. Yuzvendra Chahal – 21 wickets, 8.15 economy rate
Chahal was an exceptional spinner for the RCB. He was great under pressure and made an impact at crucial intervals in the game.
#10. Dhawal Kulkarni – 18 wickets, 7.42 economy rate
Kulkarni bowled with pace and control. He led the attack for Gujarat Lions and was very impressive. We expect to see him in Indian colors soon.
#11. Mustafizur Rahman – 17 wickets, 6.90 economy rate
“The Fizz” was by far the best bowler in the IPL 2016. He bowled with exceptional control, variations and pace. Some of his yorkers were stunning.
