Who do you think is the best finisher in IPL? Let’s find out!
While cricket is essentially a fun game, the air on a pitch can get extremely tense at times. It is these stressful times that give us the gems of the sport.
Diamonds are created under pressure. Likewise, our favourite cricketers must endure the test of excessive pressure of expectations and decisions to eventually come out as stars who rule our hearts.
What do we mean by “The Best Finisher in IPL”?
In the IPL, a finisher is a batsman who excels at strategically batting towards the end of an innings, typically during the final overs of a limited-overs match.
The batsman uses his tactical skills to play in such a manner that the game overturns in favour of his team.
The final or the last four overs in a match are called the death overs.
Who is the best Finisher in IPL, you ask?
The IPL has seen some terrific performances at the end of an innings or in the death over. Some of these performances stand out from the crowd by completely overturning the game.
The results stun audiences and experts alike. Who is the master of the death over?
Well, it is none other than the Thalaiva, the most successful captain in IPL history, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Dhoni is undoubtedly the King of the death over in the dynamic, high-energy world of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Often hailed as “Captain Cool,” Thala has time and again proved why he is the ultimate finisher in IPL history.
There are moments in the IPL when people watching the match from the comfort of their homes fail to contain their excitement and anticipation. Meanwhile, even in such nail-biting moments, Dhoni manages to navigate the game peacefully.
Let us take a closer look into why Dhoni is the go-to guy when you need to close out a match under immense pressure and unpredictability.
What Makes a Great Finisher in the IPL?
The role of a great finisher demands nerves of steel, impeccable timing, and the ability to swiftly calculate risks.
Dhoni is known for exactly these skills. He is the tactical mastermind of cricket hailed by the world for his calm demeanour on the field, even under intense pressure.
Being a good finisher requires a player to handle pressure and aim towards his goal while keeping a calculated measurement of possible risks at the back of his mind.
Whether it is a tricky few runs in the last over or a risky six attempt during the last few wickets, Dhoni handled these situations with extreme precision and strategy.
His cricketing brain is a wonder in itself. A magnificent combination of all his skills contributed towards CSK becoming the most famous IPL team.
Dhoni’s Signature Finishing Moments in the IPL
One of the most memorable moments that concretised Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s reputation as the best finisher in IPL was during the 2016 IPL season.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were up against Kings Eleven Punjab, and it looked like the match was slipping away from CSK’s able hands.
Dhoni calmly walked in on the field with an iceberg facing him.
23 impossible runs were needed in the last over. Fans assumed the match to be a lost bet. But Dhoni was yet to do his magic.
In the last three balls, he hit 16 runs including two massive sixes, winning the game in a manner that only he could. The crowd erupted with surprise and admiration for the player.
Even the Kings Eleven Punjab supporters could not help but hail the captain.
Another one of these instances happened at the 2018 IPL final where Chennai Super Kings stood against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Dhoni’s strategic play delivered 32 runs off 17 balls ensuring that CSK crossed the line comfortably.
Why is Dhoni The Greatest Cricket Idol?
It’s not just Dhoni’s cricket records, wins and skills that make him a favourite among the youth.
Rather, it’s his charisma, demeanour, grounded attitude, and never-say-die spirit that draws crowds of young fans even today. They look up to him as their greatest cricket idol.
Dhoni is a small-town boy from Ranchi who made it big through his unmatchable talent and personality. This is why his journey resonates with many young cricketers who wish to do the same.
The Best Finisher in IPL: Statistics
In cricket, numbers often tell a story better than words.
In the history of IPL, M.S. Dhoni has finished more matches than any other player. He steers his team to the winning position even in dire, impossible circumstances.
The captain has scored a total of 2631 runs in the death overs, including 162 sixes.
He has an impeccable strike rate of 200 during the death overs.
Additionally, Dhoni has remained not out in almost 50% of the games where he batted in the death overs. He stays till the end to make sure his team touches the border.
His ability to read the game, assess the conditions, and choose the right moments to go big is what sets him apart from others who try to muscle every ball out of the park.
Other Commendable Finishers in the IPL
While Dhoni leads the list, there are other finishers with commendable legacies.
Kieron Pollard and AB De Villiers are two excellent finishers who made a total of 1,708 runs, including 127 sixes and 1,421 runs, including 112 sixes respectively. They stand second and third in line for the title of the best finishers in IPL history.
Why Dhoni Will Always Be the Best Finisher in IPL
If there is one IPL player who can turn the tides in only a few overs of a match, without a doubt, it is Dhoni. His finishing skills are legendary and his mental fortitude is unmatched in all the world.
These qualities not only make him the best finisher in the IPL but also the most successful captain in the history of the tournament.
In the end, it’s not just about the runs he scored or the matches he won. Dhoni has offered the invaluable gift of unwavering dedication and immense contribution to the game of cricket.
