All-rounders play a crucial role in the Indian Premier League (IPL), contributing with both bat and ball. Fans often debate who the best all-rounders in IPL history are.
Whether it’s match-winning knocks, crucial wickets, or game-changing moments, these players have left a lasting impact.
They provide the perfect balance to their teams, delivering in crucial situations. Over the years, several all-rounders have showcased their skills, becoming IPL legends.
Let’s dive into the best all-rounders based on their performances across multiple seasons.
Top 10 Best All-Rounders In IPL History
The IPL has seen several legendary all-rounders who have changed the course of matches with their dual abilities. These players have been instrumental in their teams’ successes, showcasing their talent in both batting and bowling.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 all-rounders in IPL history:
| No | Player | Teams | Matches | Inns | Runs | Batting Avg | Bowling Overs | Wickets | Bowling Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | S K Raina | CSK, GUJ | 205 | 200 | 5528 | 32.52 | 154.2 | 25 | 45.80 |
| 2 | S R Watson | RR, RCB, CSK | 145 | 141 | 3874 | 30.99 | 338.1 | 92 | 29.15 |
| 3 | K A Pollard | MI | 189 | 171 | 3412 | 28.67 | 246 | 69 | 31.26 |
| 4 | Y K Pathan | RR, KKR, SRH | 174 | 154 | 3204 | 29.13 | 189.1 | 42 | 33.02 |
| 5 | R A Jadeja | RR, KTK, CSK, GUJ | 240 | 184 | 2959 | 27.40 | 638.1 | 160 | 30.40 |
| 6 | G J Maxwell | DD, MI, KXIP, RCB | 134 | 129 | 2771 | 24.74 | 157.2 | 37 | 35.22 |
| 7 | Yuvraj Singh | KXIP, PWI, RCB, DD, SRH, MI | 132 | 126 | 2750 | 24.77 | 144.5 | 36 | 29.92 |
| 8 | H H Pandya | MI, GT | 137 | 128 | 2525 | 28.69 | 236.2 | 64 | 33.59 |
| 9 | A D Russell | DD, KKR | 127 | 105 | 2484 | 29.22 | 282.5 | 115 | 23.01 |
| 10 | J H Kallis | RCB, KKR | 98 | 96 | 2427 | 28.55 | 290.2 | 65 | 35.28 |
Now, let’s learn more about them.
1. Suresh Raina (CSK, GUJ)
Suresh Raina, known as Mr. IPL, was the backbone of Chennai Super Kings for over a decade.
With 5528 runs at an average of 32.52, he was a reliable middle-order batter. His ability to score quickly and consistently made him one of the most valuable IPL players.
Additionally, his off-spin bowling and exceptional fielding made him a complete package.
Raina played a key role in CSK’s multiple title wins, proving his match-winning abilities in crucial games.
2. Shane Watson (RR, RCB, CSK)
Shane Watson was one of the most destructive all-rounders in IPL history.
He scored 3874 runs at an average of 30.99 and took 92 wickets, making him a true match-winner.
His power-hitting, particularly in big games, was legendary. He won the inaugural IPL title with Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and later played a heroic knock in CSK’s 2018 final.
With his effective medium-pace bowling and aggressive batting, Watson was a key asset for every team he played for.
3. Kieron Pollard (MI)
Kieron Pollard was a game-changer for Mumbai Indians, delivering with both bat and ball.
Scoring 3412 runs at an average of 28.67, he was one of the best finishers in IPL history.
His brutal hitting turned games around in just a few overs. As a bowler, his 69 wickets provided MI with crucial breakthroughs.
Pollard’s leadership and experience were invaluable, making him a key figure in MI’s multiple title-winning campaigns.
4. Yusuf Pathan (RR, KKR, SRH)
Yusuf Pathan was a dynamic all-rounder known for his explosive batting and handy off-spin bowling.
He amassed 3204 runs at a strike rate that could demolish any bowling attack.
His aggressive style helped Rajasthan Royals win the inaugural IPL in 2008, where he played several match-winning knocks. As a bowler, his 42 wickets added value to his team.
His power-hitting and ability to perform under pressure made him an integral part of KKR’s 2012 title-winning campaign as well.
5. Ravindra Jadeja (RR, KTK, CSK, GUJ)
Ravindra Jadeja is one of the most complete all-rounders in IPL history. With 2959 runs and 160 wickets, he has consistently delivered for his teams.
His left-arm spin makes him a genuine wicket-taker, while his aggressive batting helps finish games.
Over the years, Jadeja has played several crucial innings for CSK, often turning the game in his team’s favor.
Additionally, his fielding is world-class, saving runs and taking spectacular catches.
6. Glenn Maxwell (DD, MI, KXIP, RCB)
Glenn Maxwell is one of the most explosive all-rounders in IPL history.
With 2771 runs at a strike rate exceeding 150, he has the ability to change games in just a few overs.
His off-spin has also been effective, taking 37 wickets. Maxwell’s ability to play unconventional shots makes him a nightmare for bowlers.
His impactful performances for RCB and KXIP have cemented his reputation as a match-winner, making him a key asset in every season he plays.
7. Yuvraj Singh (KXIP, PWI, RCB, DD, SRH, MI)
A true legend of Indian cricket, Yuvraj Singh brought elegance and power to IPL.
Scoring 2750 runs with a batting average of 24.77, he played several memorable knocks. His left-arm spin was also useful, taking 36 wickets.
Known for his ability to hit sixes effortlessly, he played a key role in multiple franchises.
Yuvraj’s leadership, experience, and ability to perform under pressure made him one of the most impactful all-rounders in IPL history.
8. Hardik Pandya (MI, GT)
Hardik Pandya is one of the most valuable all-rounders in modern-day IPL. With 2525 runs at a strike rate above 140, he has been a key player in Mumbai Indians’ success.
His medium-pace bowling has also been crucial, taking 64 wickets.
Pandya’s fearless approach with the bat and his ability to deliver in crunch moments make him a game-changer.
His leadership of Gujarat Titans in 2022 proved his tactical brilliance, further solidifying his IPL legacy.
9. Andre Russell (DD, KKR)
Andre Russell is one of the most destructive all-rounders in IPL history. With 2484 runs at a staggering strike rate of over 170, he has single-handedly won matches for KKR.
His powerful six-hitting ability makes him a nightmare for bowlers.
As a bowler, he has taken 115 wickets, often providing breakthroughs in critical situations.
Russell’s ability to dominate with both bat and ball makes him one of the most feared players in the league.
10. Jacques Kallis (RCB, KKR)
Jacques Kallis was the definition of a classical all-rounder in IPL. Scoring 2427 runs at an average of 28.55, he provided solidity to the batting order.
His medium-pace bowling was equally effective, taking 65 wickets.
Kallis was instrumental in KKR’s IPL triumphs, bringing experience and balance to the squad.
His consistency, technique, and all-round abilities made him one of the most reliable players in IPL history, leaving a lasting impact on the tournament.
Also Read:
Conclusion: Suresh Raina Tops The List Of Best All-Rounders In IPL History
Suresh Raina tops the list as the best all-rounder in IPL history, with over 5,500 runs and crucial wickets, making him a consistent match-winner.
Shane Watson, Kieron Pollard, and Ravindra Jadeja have also played vital roles, delivering in pressure situations. Their ability to excel in both departments has shaped IPL’s history.
These players prove that all-rounders are the backbone of any successful team, showcasing the importance of versatility in the tournament’s ever-evolving landscape.
As IPL continues to grow, new all-rounders will emerge, carrying forward this legacy.
