Top 5 best finishers in IPL history till 2024

T20 cricket is action-packed and can create tension-filled moments for teams. Chasing in a T20 game can be tough considering that the bowling side is never out of the game.Indian Premier League (IPL) has given the world many last-ball finishes and exciting matches since its inception in 2008. 

The role of a finisher in a T20 game is very important both while batting first or during a chase. While the openers and middle-order batters have their roles defined, the role of a finisher is the most important. In the case of batting first, the finisher has to ensure that his team puts up a huge total on the board. 

In the last few seasons of the league, many teams have seen some terrific players who have been the top finishers in IPL history. The ability to add late runs on the board or take a team home in a tricky run chase makes such batters absolute goldmines for any team. Few batters over the years have excelled in the art of finishing.

Also Check: Top 5 Batsmen with most runs against CSK in IPL

List of 5 best finishers in IPL history till 2024

5- Ravindra Jadeja 

India’s ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadejahas been a loyal servant for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for over a decade. The 36-year-old has been one of the best finishers for CSK and has won many matches with his late flourish with the bat. Ravindra Jadeja has scored a total of 1420 runs in the overs between 16-20 to help CSK either set huge totals or chase down tricky targets.

Jadeja’s best moment as one of the best IPL finishers came during the 2023 final. The left-handed batter hit a six and a four to help his team clinch their 5th title beating then defending champs Gujarat Titans in their own backyard. 

4- AB de Villiers 

Former South Africa and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting legend,AB De Villiershas a huge following in Bengaluru for his exploits at the Chinnaswamy stadium. The man who is fondly called ‘Mr. 360’ has been RCB’s saviour on many occasions. AB De Villiers has scored 1421 runs in the overs between 16 and 20 to be considered one of the Top Finishers in IPL history. 

One of the most memorable moments saw De Villiers score 23 runs against Dale Steyn in a key game between RCB and Deccan Chargers during IPL 2012. RCB needing 39 runs to win from 3 overs saw AB De Villiers hit Steyn for 23 runs to help his side win the game. 

3- Dinesh Karthik 

Former Indian wicketkeeper and batter Dinesh Karthik is one of the biggest names in the league. The 39-year-old called time on his IPL career earlier this year after failing to reach the finals of the tournament with Bengaluru. During his 17-year-old IPL career, Karthik has scored 1565 runs in overs 16-20.

Even during the late stages of his career, the former India star could unsettle the best of bowlers with his innovative hitting. Karthik nearly pulled off a world record chase against SRH during IPL 2024 while chasing a target. Karthik scored 83 off 35 balls in pursuit of a 288-run target that was set by SRH with RCB falling short by just 25 runs. 

2- Kieron Pollard 

Former Caribbean star Kieron Pollard is a name that every Mumbai Indians (MI) still admires and adores. Pollard was part of all of Mumbai’s five IPL triumphs before calling time on his IPL career in 2022. Pollard was one of the Top Finishers in IPL with 1708 runs in the overs between 16-20. His most memorable knock of 83 came in a game against Punjab during the 2019 season. 

Needing 198 to win, Mumbai were 135/5 at the end of the 15th over. Pollard then began his assault as he smashed Sam Curran for 14 runs in the 17th over. In the 19th over, Curran was hit for 17 runs as Mumbai romped home to last ball win in style. 

1- MS Dhoni  

When we speak about the Best IPL Finishers, the name MS Dhoni takes the cake. Even at the age of 43, the legend of MS Dhoni keeps acquiring new heights. So far no batter has done what Dhoni has done in over 16-20 in IPL history. The former India and CSK have scored 2708 runs in the last five overs of the game to be counted as the numero uno in finishing. 

Despite retiring from the game nearly 3 years ago, Dhoni came up with a classic against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2022. Needing 17 to win from 6 balls, Dhoni hit Jaydev Unadkat for 16 runs from just balls to help CSK win the last ball thriller. 

What are some of the iconic moments in best IPL finishes?

MS Dhoni himself played an iconic knock during the IPL 2010 season in a game against Punjab that was held in Dharamshala. Chennai needed 193 runs to win the game and make it to the knockout stages of the tournament. 16 runs were needed from 6 balls as Irfan Pathan came to bowl. Dhoni hit a first ball for a four and then took two runs off the next. With ten runs needed from 4 balls, Dhoni hit 2 sixes to win the game and also gave himself an uppercut onto his helmet in what is an evergreen moment. 

Former CSK skipper MS Dhoni also played a memorable knock for Rising Pune Super Giants against Punjab Kings during the IPL 2016 season. RPS needed 23 runs from 6 balls and as Dhoni hit a six to make it 16 needed from 4. With a dot ball bowled, it was 16 needed from 3 as Dhoni hit Axar Patel for a four and followed it up with 2 sixes to win the game. 

Kieron Pollard’s most iconic finish came during the IPL 2019 final. The game was played on his 32nd birthday and his 41 not out came off 25 balls. The last two balls were hit for 2 fours which turned out to be the difference as Mumbai Indians won by 1 run. 

FAQ’s 

Who is the best finisher in the IPL?

MS Dhoniis the best finisher in the IPL having scored 2708runs in the overs between 16-20. The former India legend has hit 171 sixes in the last five overs of the innings to help his side end on a high. All those exploits have made Chennai Super Kings and MS Dhoni one of the most feared opponents for many teams. 

What makes a player a good finisher in the IPL?

To become a good finisher a player must only have all the shots in the book but also must be a good reader of the game. The ability to hit boundaries at will and rotate the strike with a player with lesser batting skills is also a must. The role of the finisher is also to make sure that they can face up to the death overs specialist. 

Which IPL finishers have the best IPL strike rate?

Former South African star AB De Villiers’ 151.69 is the best strike rate for a batter when we speak about the best finisher in the IPL. RCB’s legendary star has been part of many close wins and his battles against some of the best bowlers in the death overs is still fresh in the memory of many fans.