The group stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has concluded, setting the stage for an exhilarating playoff showdown. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lead the points table with an impressive performance, winning 10 out of their 14 matches. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals (RR), who began the season strongly, slipped to third place after facing defeats in their last four matches.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) capitalized on their momentum to secure the second spot in the IPL points table. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) acquired the fourth playoff spot with a convincing 27-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), setting the stage for a thrilling playoff run. Faf du Plessis‘ leadership will be pivotal as RCB aim to clinch their maiden IPL trophy.

Players shine in the group stage

Throughout the league stage, several players showcased their prowess with both bat and ball, leaving a lasting impression on spectators and fans alike. Their contributions were pivotal in propelling their teams to the playoffs. From explosive openers to crafty bowlers, each player brought something unique to the table, adding depth and strength to their respective teams. As the IPL playoffs kick-off, all eyes will be on these standout performers to continue their stellar performances and lead their teams to glory. With the stakes higher than ever, expect thrilling encounters and memorable moments as the quest for the IPL trophy reaches its climax. Here are the eleven players who stood out and made it to the IPL 2024 Team of the Tournament.

Also READ: IPL 2024 Playoffs Schedule: Dates, Match Timings, Teams and Venues

IPL 2024 Best playing XI:

1. Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – Opener: Head’s explosive batting at the top of the order has been a revelation for SRH in IPL 2024. His tally of 533 runs in 12 matches, at an impressive average of 48.45 and a staggering strike rate of 201.13, underscores his dominance. Head’s ability to dictate terms from the onset and capitalize on the powerplay overs has consistently provided his team with blistering starts, setting the tone for big totals or chase-downs.

2. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) – Opener: The iconic Kohli continues to redefine batting excellence, particularly as an opener for RCB in IPL 2024. With an astonishing 708 runs in 14 matches, including a remarkable average of 64.36 and a formidable strike rate of 155.60, Kohli’s performances have been nothing short of legendary. His sheer consistency, coupled with his ability to anchor innings or accelerate as needed, makes him a quintessential opener and a driving force behind his team’s success.

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings) – Middle-order: Gaikwad has emerged as a beacon of consistency and class in the middle-order for CSK in IPL 2024. Gaikwad’s tally of 583 runs in 14 matches, at an impressive average of 53.00, showcases his ability to stabilize the innings and propel the team forward with well-crafted knocks. His adeptness at rotating the strike and finding the boundaries when required adds depth and solidity to the batting lineup.

4. Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals) (Captain & Wicketkeeper) – Middle-order: Samson, the dynamic captain and agile wicketkeeper of RR, has been the linchpin of the team’s batting lineup in IPL 2024. Samson’s tally of 504 runs in 14 matches, at a phenomenal average of 56.00 and a blistering strike rate of 156.52, emphasizes his prowess with the bat. His astute leadership on the field, combined with his ability to finish games under pressure, makes him a pivotal figure in the team’s campaign.

5. Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants) – Middle-order: Pooran has been a revelation in the middle-order for Lucknow Super Giants, showcasing his prowess as a destructive batters in IPL 2024. Pooran’s tally of 499 runs in 14 matches, at a thunderous strike rate of 178.21, highlights his ability to decimate bowling attacks with his explosive strokeplay. His knack for launching massive sixes and turning the tide of the game in his team’s favor makes him a game-changer in crucial moments.

6. Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals) – All-rounder: Parag’s multifaceted contributions as an all-rounder have been instrumental in RR’s campaign in IPL 2024. Parag’s dual ability to score vital runs and chip in with crucial wickets has added depth and balance to the team. His tally of 531 runs and valuable contributions with the ball underscore his versatility and importance to the team’s success across all departments.

7. Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders) – All-rounder: Russell’s ferocious hitting and incisive bowling have made him a force to be reckoned with for KKR in IPL 2024. Russell’s ability to turn the game on its head with his explosive batting and knack for picking up crucial wickets make him a game-changer in every sense. His impact as an all-rounder, evidenced by his 222 runs and 15 wickets in 13 matches, highlights his invaluable contribution to the team’s fortunes.

8. Harshal Patel (Punjab Kings) – Fast Bowler: Patel’s knack for picking up crucial wickets and delivering in high-pressure situations has made him the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024. Patel’s tally of 24 wickets in 14 matches, at an impressive average of 19.87, showcases his ability to outfox batters with his variations and astute bowling tactics. His ability to strike at crucial junctures of the game makes him a vital cog in PBKS’ bowling arsenal.

9. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians) – Fast Bowler: Bumrah’s mastery over the art of fast bowling has been pivotal for MI in IPL 2024. Bumrah’s tally of 20 wickets in 13 matches, at an exceptional average of 16.80, highlights his ability to dismantle batting lineups with his lethal yorkers and impeccable line and length. His reliability in the death overs and knack for picking up key wickets make him a prized asset for his team.

10. Varun Chakravarthy (Kolkata Knight Riders) – Spinner: Chakaravarthy’s mystery spin and guile have made him a potent weapon for KKR in IPL 2024. Chakaravarthy’s tally of 18 wickets in 13 matches, at an average of 20.38, underscores his ability to deceive batters with his variations and extract turn and bounce from the surface. His role as a wicket-taking spinner in the middle overs adds depth to the team’s bowling attack.

11. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings) – Fast Bowler: Pathirana’s raw pace and ability to generate bounce and movement off the pitch have made him a formidable fast bowler for CSK in IPL 2024. Pathirana’s tally of 13 wickets in 6 matches, at an impressive average of 13.00, highlights his impact as a strike bowler. His ability to trouble batters with his sheer pace and aggressive approach makes him a valuable asset in any bowling lineup.

Impact Players:

Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad) 
Throughout IPL 2024,  Abhishek showcased his versatility as a promising all-rounder. With the bat, he contributed 467 runs to his team’s cause, displaying an impressive average of 38.91 and a phenomenal strike rate of 209.41. His aggressive batting style, especially in the latter stages of the innings, added depth to the lower middle-order, enabling his team to accelerate the run rate and stabilize the innings when needed.
T Natarajan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) 
Renowned for his impeccable yorkers and ability to deliver under pressure, Natarajan emerged as a standout performer in crucial situations. Throughout the tournament, he claimed 17 vital wickets, showcasing his ability to excel in the death overs. With an impressive economy rate of 9.25 and an average of 23.58, Natarajan proved his mettle as a reliable death bowler, capable of stifling the opposition’s run flow and breaking partnerships when needed the most. His calm demeanor and ability to execute his skills under pressure make him a valuable asset, capable of turning the tide of the game in his team’s favor, making him a key player to rely on during critical moments of the match.

Also READ: IPL 2024 – Rating of all captains after the league stage

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