The value of an all-rounder is paramount in the T20 format, as they can perform in all departments of the game.
And which team doesn’t want such players in their squad? That’s why they are always in high demand, more so in attractive T20 franchise leagues.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is no different in this aspect, with many notable all-rounders plying their trade in the high-octane league. However, a few of them have left a larger impact with their consistent performances, be it batting, bowling, or fielding.
In this article, we’ll list the 5 greatest all-rounders in IPL history.
5. Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo, one of the most entertaining players, put out many memorable all-round performances in the IPL. His outings were crucial to the Chennai Super Kings winning the IPL in 2011, 2018, and 2021.
The Caribbean was an effective bowler, with variations like slower balls and yorkers up his sleeve. Not just that, Bravo also displayed his batting skills down the order by playing impactful cameos in crunch situations.
However, his bowling was superior to his batting, and he proved it by winning the Purple Cap twice in the 2013 and 2015 seasons.
DJ Bravo was the leading wicket-taker in the IPL for a significant time, with 183 wickets in his kitty. With the bat, he accumulated 1560 runs in 113 innings.
And the fact that Bravo was the first player to achieve the double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in the IPL proves his worth as a dependable all-rounder.
Also Read | 5 Greatest Bowlers in IPL History
4. Andre Russell
Andre Russell has to be the most destructive all-rounder the IPL has seen. He started his IPL career with the Delhi Daredevils before becoming an integral part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The Jamaican all-rounder muscles the ball with much power, sending the ball flying into the stands. He has won many games for KKR with his top-notch finishing skills while coming down the order.
Russell can also deceive batters with his bowling variations, making it hard for them to hit the ball. Once he is on a song, it’s hard to stop the beast.
The right-hander demonstrated his all-round abilities in the 2015 and 2019 seasons by securing the Most Valuable Player award.
Andre Russell has scored 2300+ runs at an astounding strike of around 175 and has picked up 100+ wickets in the IPL.
3. Ravindra Jadeja
There is only one Indian player on this list of the greatest all-rounders in the IPL, and he is Ravindra Jadeja.
He is one player that every team would want to have on their side, as he not only contributes with the bat and ball, but he’s also quick on the field. The left-hander has proved his mettle with several match-winning performances right from the start of his career.
Jadeja began his IPL career with the Rajasthan Royals in 2008. But in 2012, his fortune changed for the better as he joined CSK and became an irreplaceable member of the team.
The Indian all-rounder was an important cog in CSK’s 4th title triumph in 2021, as he scored 227 runs and bagged 13 wickets. Likewise, in the 2023 title victory, Jadeja scalped 20 wickets — second-most for CSK — along with 190 runs.
Thus far, Jadeja has amassed 2770+ runs and picked up 155+ wickets in the IPL. If that’s not enough, he has also held more than 100 catches, making him the only one with the triple of 1000 runs, 100 wickets, and 100 catches in the league.
Also Read | The 5 Best All-Round Performances in IPL
2. Kieron Pollard
Throughout his 13 IPL seasons, Kieron Pollard was an essential part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) setup, winning the championship 5 times.
There is no dearth of explosive Caribbean players in the IPL, but Pollard is a touch above all of them. He has won many games single-handedly, be it with his clever bowling or swashbuckling batting performances.
Many of his batting knocks came at staggering strike rates, taking on the bowlers from the word go. His monstrous sixes were the highlights of this power-hitting masterclass.
Pollard’s medium-pace bowling fetched his team wickets at crucial points, turning the game on its head. Moreover, he was electric in the field, barely dropping any catches or making any fielding mistakes.
Pollard has played the most IPL matches among his countrymen, making 189 appearances. In that long and memorable career, he racked up 3412 runs and 69 wickets for MI.
1. Shane Watson
It’s quite hard to find a player with Shane Watson’s calibre. He was, in a true sense, a formidable all-rounder with the ability to turn the course of the game.
Watson portrayed his value in the inaugural IPL season itself by winning the Player of the Tournament award. His 472 runs and 17 wickets helped crown the Rajasthan Royals as the 2008 IPL champions.
Later, the Australian went on to produce many more impeccable performances with the bat and ball.
Many of his outings have come in crucial games, with his unbeaten 117-run knock in the 2018 final for CSK being a testament to that. The same was the case with his bowling, as Watto provided significant breakthroughs.
Watson featured in 145 IPL games, scoring 3874 runs and grabbing 92 wickets. He also has 4 centuries to his name, along with a hat trick.
And it would be fair to say that Shane Watson is the greatest all-rounder the IPL has seen in its storied history.
