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In this post, we will check out the top 10 best finishers in IPL history.

Cricket, a sport filled with moments of thrill and unpredictability, offers a unique stage for the legends of the game to rise to the occasion.

The Indian Premier League (IPL), a dazzling display of the world’s premier cricketing talent, serves as the perfect canvas for heroics that encapsulate the essence of what it takes to be a match-decider.

It is within the incredible finales, crafted by players who possess calm nerves and masterful skill, that the true finishers shine brightest.

Among them, a sacred list emerges of individuals who, through their exploits at the crease, have earned the enviable label of the best finishers in the colorful history of the IPL.

This post will unravel the stories, the conquests, and the sheer wizardry of the top 10 characters in this epic saga of cricketing finales.

Top 10 Best Finishers In IPL History

10 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant’s ascent in the echelons of international cricket has been nothing short of meteoric. His audacity with the bat and nimbleness with the gloves have earmarked him as a generational talent.

His ferocious batting style is reminiscent of a young maverick, unafraid to take on the bowlers from the word go. Whether it’s pacing a chase or setting up a daunting total, Pant’s fearless approach has turned many a game on its head.

Pant’s journey started to gain momentum when his explosive batting displays lit up the Indian Premier League (IPL). His effortless ability to dispatch the cricket ball to all parts of the ground, irrespective of the pedigree of the bowler, caught the eyes of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

His sheer power and timing against fast bowlers are equally matched by his finesse and guile against spin, making him a 360-degree player in the modern game.

When Pant donned the Indian Test whites in August 2018, there were high expectations, and he has exceeded them, particularly with performances on foreign soil.

His centuries in England and Australia are not merely knocks played— they are statements made against some of the most formidable bowling line-ups in their backyard.

His boldness in shot selection is matched by a nuanced understanding of match situations, which has seen him snatch the initiative from the opposition time and again.

A testament to his hard work and willingness to improve is evident in the substantial strides he has taken in the Test arena. His acrobatic wicket-keeping coupled with a marked improvement in shot selection is a clear indication of a cricketer who is constantly honing his skills.

His batting is no longer just about brute force. There’s a discernible method to the madness, a calculated risk in the apparent recklessness.

Beyond the cricket field, Pant’s larger-than-life persona makes him a favorite among the masses. His vibrant personality is a breath of fresh air in the intense realm of international cricket.

The camaraderie he shares with his teammates, along with his infectious energy, adds a layer of endearing charisma to his profile as an athlete.

Rishabh Pant represents more than just the present of Indian cricket; he is the face of the future, a beacon of hope for millions of aspiring cricketers.

As he climbs the ladder of success, the cricketing fraternity eagerly anticipates the heights this wunderkind will reach.

With each game, Pant is not only making records but also an everlasting imprint on the heart of the game, championing the spirit of a new, fearless brand of cricket that is bound to inspire the coming generations.

9 Chris Morris

Chris Morris is undoubtedly one of the standout performers when it comes to the pressure-cooker role of finishing matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

His capability to zealously swing his bat and turn the game in his team’s favor has earned him a reputation for being one of the most skillful finishers the tournament has ever seen.

Morris demonstrated his exceptional prowess during a stellar innings in the 2016 IPL season, where he scored a breathtaking 82 not out from a mere 32 balls.

In this match-defining performance, he showcased a masterclass of aggression and finesse, bludgeoning the ball to all parts of the ground with four boundaries and eight massive sixes.

This knock stands out as his highest score in the T20 format and underpins his status as a powerhouse capable of tilting the balance in close encounters.

The journey of this illustrious all-rounder has not been static, as, after his impactful stint with the Delhi Capitals, the franchise decided to release him before the 2020 IPL auction.

However, his proven abilities and cricketing prowess kept him very much in demand, and he was soon snapped up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a testament to the value he brings to T20 cricket.

Morris’ worth was truly realized in the 2021 season when he fetched a whopping Rs. 16.25 crores from the Rajasthan Royals, etching his name as the most expensive player in the history of the IPL auction.

This staggering valuation reflects both his past contributions and the potential impact he possesses to change the course of a game, whether through his hard-hitting batting or his skillful death bowling.

When you delve into his statistics, especially in the context of him being a lower-order batsman, his numbers are a clear reflection of a player who doesn’t shy away from taking responsibility in crunch situations.

From maneuvering the strike to smacking the ball with sheer might, Morris exhibits an array of shots that can undermine even the most strategic bowling plans.

Ranked number 9 in our list of the top 10 most impactful players in IPL, Chris Morris has left an indelible mark on the tournament.

His performance as a finisher is a significant contribution to the competitive edge that every team desires to seal matches in their favor.

Morris’s role is multifaceted—he’s not just a devastating batsman but also a proficient bowler who can be relied upon to deliver during the nerve-wracking final overs.

8 Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is a left-arm, off-spin bowling all-rounder, and one of the best finishers in the IPL. He portrays Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

He is regarded to be one of the greatest fielders to ever grace the game. Ravindra Jadeja was selected by the Rajasthan Royals for the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008.

He played an important part in their victory against Chennai Super Kings in the final. Shane Warne, the captain of Rajasthan Royals, referred to Jadeja as a “superstar in the making” and nicknamed him “Rockstar”.

In the 19th match of the 2021 Indian Premier League, a spectacle known as the Jadeja Hurricane occurred when he hit a joint-most 37 runs in the last over bowled by Harshal Patel.

He also took 3/13 in his four overs and was named player of the match. Jadeja’s ability not just with the bat or ball, but also in the field, makes him an invaluable player in the shortest format of the game.

His quick reflexes and precise throws have often turned matches in his team’s favor, making runouts and difficult catches look almost routine. His dedication to improving his game has seen Jadeja evolve from a young talent to a seasoned veteran.

With such match-winning capabilities, it’s no wonder he is ranked number 8 in our list of the top 10 best finishers in IPL history. Each season, Jadeja’s performances continue to solidify his reputation, as he pulls off stunning feats with the bat, delivers crucial overs under pressure, and exhibits breathtaking fielding.

7 Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes has carved out a reputation as one of the most dynamic and impactful players in modern cricket, particularly when it comes to the highly competitive realm of Twenty20 (T20) cricket.

As the vice-captain of the England test team, his leadership skills are as much in the spotlight as his aggressive batting and versatile bowling.

His journey in the T20 format has been marked by a significant performance that brought him great acclaim—his maiden T20 century against the Gujarat Lions.

In this memorable encounter, Stokes showcased his explosive batting prowess, remaining not out with a score of 103 from just 63 balls, a knock that was decorated with seven boundary fours and six massive sixes.

This inning was not just about the raw numbers; it was about the context in which they came and the manner Stokes dominated the bowlers, which registered deeply with cricket fans worldwide.

Stokes’ prowess in the shorter formats of the game was underscored by his signing with the Rajasthan Royals for the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

His transfer fee of £1.7 million set records and turned heads, making him the most expensive signing at the 2018 IPL auction. This statistic alone speaks volumes about the faith placed in his on-field abilities and his potential to change the course of a game.

Throughout his IPL career to date, Stokes has made it a habit to step up in high-pressure situations, earning him the tag of a ‘finisher’—a batsman who can steer the team to victory in the closing stages of a game.

His batting record for the Rajasthan Royals emphasizes this ability; having played a total of 43 IPL matches, Stokes has amassed 2 centuries, doing so with an impressive strike rate of 134.50.

Stokes’ ability is not limited to his batting. His bowling provides a crucial balance to any side he plays for, delivering crucial overs and often breaking partnerships when needed the most.

His fielding prowess is yet another aspect of his game that cannot be overlooked, with numerous athletic catches and game-changing runouts to his name.

In essence, Ben Stokes is a multi-dimensional cricketer who brings immense value to his team—not just through individual flair but also through the ability to inspire his teammates and execute game plans under immense pressure.

The combination of his brutish strength at the bat, tactical acumen on the field, and sheer competitive spirit makes him a true asset in every sense of the word.

6 Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell is an Australian professional cricketer renowned for his explosive batting and dynamic fielding, particularly in the shorter formats of cricket, such as the One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20).

His cricketing prowess has gained him not only a solid reputation on the international stage but also made him a highly sought-after player in franchise cricket leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Maxwell’s journey in the IPL began when he replaced Travis Birt as a substitute player for the Delhi Daredevils in 2012. Despite minimal opportunities, playing only two games, his potential was evident to those who bestowed opportunities upon him.

His breakout moment came at the 2013 IPL auction, where the Mumbai Indians saw immense value in his hard-hitting abilities, securing him for a hefty sum of 1 million US dollars.

This investment made him the costliest player of that auction, marking a turning point in his IPL career and underlining the faith placed in his capabilities to change the course of a match.

In 2014, Glenn Maxwell took another step in his IPL journey when he was purchased by Kings XI Punjab. His ability to turn games was immediately visible.

On his day, Maxwell could dismantle even the most disciplined of bowling attacks with seeming ease. In the very first match he played for Punjab, Maxwell stunned the audience and rattled the opposition, Chennai Super Kings, by hammering 95 runs off just 43 balls, a clear testament to his batting prowess.

He maintained this astounding form in the subsequent matches. Against the Rajasthan Royals, he thrashed the bowlers for 89 runs off 45 deliveries, continuing to delight fans with his aggressive and entertaining brand of cricket.

Following that, in a match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Maxwell replicated his high-scoring performance with another 95 runs from 43 balls, earning the Player of the Match award for an incredible third consecutive time.

Throughout his IPL career, Maxwell has been a force to reckon with, amassing a total of 97 matches and scoring 2018 runs.

His impressive strike rate of 151.84 not only reflects his ability to score runs quickly but also his skill in maintaining this pace over a significant amount of time and matches.

Maxwell’s reliability and prowess in finishing matches have earned him the number 6 spot on our list of the top 10 best finishers in IPL history, and it’s not hard to see why.

His performances have repeatedly shown that in the most pressure-filled situations, he can be the difference between victory and defeat, making him an invaluable asset to any team he joins.

5 Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya continues to be valued for his multifaceted skills and consistent performances. His journey as an Indian international cricketer and as a captain of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League is nothing short of extraordinary.

Pandya burst onto the IPL scene with Mumbai Indians in 2015, and in a short period, his prowess as a cricketer, particularly as a finisher, has been noteworthy.

With an aggressive batting style and an acute understanding of match situations, he has become a cornerstone of his teams’ late batting order. Hardik’s ability to maintain a high strike rate has immensely contributed to the tight finishes in numerous games, making him a fan favorite.

His credentials as one of the best finishers are backed by substantial numbers. Having played 92 matches, Hardik Pandya has gathered 1476 runs with a remarkable strike rate of 153.91.

This exceptional performance is a testament to his conditioning, practice, and inherent talent. In essence, Pandya embodies the spirit of a capable and reliable finisher.

Furthermore, beyond his batting, Hardik Pandya’s value also comes from his handy medium-pace bowling. His versatility on the field offers his team the balance that is necessary in the competitive format of IPL.

Being an all-rounder, he often changes the course of a match not just with the bat but also with crucial breakthroughs with the ball.

Ranked at number 5 in the list of the top 10 best finishers in IPL history, Pandya truly has left an indelible mark in the cricketing fraternity.

Not only does he bring excitement to the pitch with his dynamic gameplay, but he also instills confidence in his teammates, often taking the game right to the final over where his finishing skills shine the brightest.

His growth, from a promising young athlete to an experienced and dependable player, has been meteoric and pointed to a career that continues to flourish and inspire millions of aspiring cricketers.

4 Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard has established himself as a vital player for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his right-arm medium-fast bowling and robust batting skills, Pollard became the joint highest-paid player in the 2010 IPL season.

Standing tall, his presence on the field is intimidating for bowlers, and his batting prowess has often been the key to Mumbai Indians’ spectacular finishes in many matches.

He can stay calm under pressure and deliver explosive performances that made him one of the most revered finishers in the IPL’s illustrious history.

Pollard’s record-breaking innings of 60 runs from just 32 balls was a turning point that spurred the Mumbai Indians to clinch their maiden IPL title.

This inning wasn’t just a display of his skill but a testament to his temperament and ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him the most.

Over the years, Pollard has played in 178 IPL matches, amassing a total of 3268 runs. His impressive strike rate of 149.77 highlights his aggressive batting style and ability to score runs quickly.

Moreover, with 214 sixes to his name, Pollard consistently showcases his strength and timing, making him a crowd favorite and a feared opponent.

His significant contributions with both bat and ball have been instrumental in Mumbai Indians’ journey to becoming one of the most successful teams in the IPL, with five titles to their name.

Kieron Pollard’s role in this legacy of success cannot be understated, as each season he brings his unique blend of enthusiasm, experience, and explosive talent to the team.

His performances have not just won matches but have helped build a dynasty that resonates with success, teamwork, and perseverance.

3 Andre Russell

Andre Russell has carved a niche for himself as one of the most explosive players in the world of cricket, particularly lauded for his game-finishing abilities in the shorter formats. His knack for high-octane performances makes him a crowd favorite and an integral part of any team.

Joining the ranks of the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 marked a pivotal turning point for Russell. The Jamaican all-rounder quickly became a talisman for KKR, exhibiting his prowess time and time again.

His athletic fielding, blistering batting, and competent bowling have contributed immensely to the team’s success over the years.

Russell’s heroics in the 2015 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) were nothing short of exceptional.

This phenomenal run of form earned him a place in the Cricinfo IPL XI for the season, a fitting acknowledgment of a player at the peak of his powers.

Even among the galaxy of stars that dazzle in the IPL, Russell’s performances stand out, replete with feats of raw power and finesse.

As a chaser of big targets, Russell is often seen as the backbone of KKR’s batting lineup. His most memorable innings, which etched itself into IPL lore, was against the formidable Mumbai Indians in 2019.

Russell’s fireworks delivered 80 runs from just 40 balls, an innings that perfectly encapsulated his destructive batting style and his ability to steal the game away from the opposition even under the most intense pressure.

What truly sets Andre Russell apart from other finishers is his remarkable consistency and ability to turn games around almost single-handedly.

His fearless approach and sheer physical strength enable him to clear boundaries with an ease that is seldom seen, rendering him a force to be reckoned with in the high-stakes environment of the IPL.

Ranked number 3 in our compilation of the top 10 best finishers in IPL history, Russell’s prominence is a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering determination.

He has not only left an indelible mark on the IPL but has also raised the bar for what it means to be a true finisher in the modern era of cricket. With Russell on the field, the game is never over until the very last ball is bowled.

2 AB De Villiers

AB de Villiers is unquestionably a cornerstone in the realm of cricket, particularly when referencing his explosive finishing capabilities in the game.

Few cricketers have displayed the same level of proficiency in being able to close out matches with the bat, making him a standout athlete in the sport.

Beyond his renowned finishing prowess, AB de Villiers is revered for his adaptable talent at the crease. Considered among the most complete batsmen in the history of cricket, de Villiers possesses a rare ability to dominate in virtually any batting slot.

Whether opening the batting or anchoring the middle order, de Villiers’ versatility is a captain’s dream. His uncanny knack for executing an extensive array of shots, from deft glances to monumental sixes, is almost unparalleled, and he’s able to do so with remarkable rapidity and precision.

Throughout his Indian Premier League (IPL) career, AB de Villiers has been nothing short of a statistical marvel. Participating in 184 matches has allowed him to amass a whopping 5162 runs, coupled with an impressive strike rate of 151.69.

Such figures are a testament to the batsman’s extraordinary capabilities and consistency at the highest tier of T20 cricket.

When we delve into the subject of big-hitting, de Villiers’ credentials are further bolstered when you consider his remarkable tally of 251 sixes.

This staggering achievement places him second only to the legendary Chris Gayle in the six-hitting echelons of IPL’s illustrious history.

It isn’t just the raw numbers that define AB de Villiers as a cricketer; it’s how he accumulates them. His batting is marked by an aesthetic pleasure and a strategic mastery—the deftness of his wrists, the swiftness of his footwork, and the sheer power he generates.

Moreover, de Villiers is known for his cool demeanor under pressure, which, coupled with his deep arsenal of shots, makes him a formidable opponent in the death overs.

His contribution to the game goes well beyond batting statistics. AB de Villiers is also noted for his exceptional fielding skills, capable wicket-keeping, and an attitude on the field that is both competitive and sportsmanlike, earning him acclaim as one of cricket’s true gentlemen.

The South African powerhouse’s multifaceted skill set, inclusive of his batting genius and exemplary sportsmanship, has earned him a place in the hearts of fans worldwide and solidified his status as one of the finest finishers in the IPL, and indeed, in the pantheon of greats in the world of cricket.

1 MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, often referred to as Captain Cool, is one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, particularly known for his finishing capabilities in the high-octane Indian Premier League (IPL).

His demeanor on the field—marked by an unruffled presence even in seemingly insurmountable scenarios—earned him the moniker and the reputation as a legendary closer in the sport’s shorter format.

One key attribute that set Dhoni apart was his stoic presence at the crease when playing the role of finisher. An exceptional feature of his cricketing psyche is his situational awareness—assessing the match dynamics with a combination of patience and shrewd calculation.

This has allowed him to make informed decisions that often lead to turning any match on its axis, in favor of his side.

Dhoni’s art of pacing an innings is nearly as famous as his helicopter shot. Be it earnestly rotating the strike or smacking the ball across the boundary rope, his approach to tailoring his batting to the need of the hour is legendary.

His reading of the game and the opposition, coupled with an instinctive feel for when to escalate his attack, is what sets him apart as an adept chaser.

His prowess doesn’t cease at his calculated aggression; Dhoni’s explosive hitting during the death overs can send a chill down the spine of the best bowlers in the game.

Armed with an arsenal of unconventional shots and a knack for finding gaps, he can single-handedly guide his team towards an improbable victory and often has.

The intangible that Dhoni brings to the team is his inspiring leadership—an ingredient that has been essential in synthesizing many of his triumphs.

Under his guidance, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have not only lifted the IPL trophy several times but have also transformed into a franchise synonymous with consistency and strategic brilliance.

In addition to his on-field genius, Dhoni’s off-field conduct, his mentoring of young talents, and his contribution to nurturing the team spirit further amplifies his stature as a finisher.

Even when he’s not on strike, his insight and advice to fellow batsmen can be pivotal in guiding them through challenging periods of play.

Summing up, MS Dhoni’s hallmarks as a finisher such as his exceptional finishing acumen, situational awareness, measured aggression, transformative leadership, and invaluable experience render him not just among the top 10 but arguably the quintessential finisher in the history of the IPL.

His legacy in the cricketing annals as “Captain Cool” is emblematic of a career that combined brawn with a cerebral approach, etching his name as a true legend of the game.