Best Playing XI of IPL 2024

The IPL 2024 season was a rollercoaster ride filled with record-breaking performances, unexpected heroes, and heartbreaking moments. From the disappointment of big names to the breakout success of young talents, the cricketing extravaganza kept fans on the edge of their seats. 

Ultimately, Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious, etching their names onto the coveted trophy after a thrilling final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. This article delves into the heart of the tournament, selecting the Best Playing XI of IPL 2024 based on a compelling blend of statistics, on-field impact, and strategic value. We’ve analysed the performances of all the top contenders and assembled a dream team that represents the essence of IPL 2024.

Openers:

1. Travis Head (SRH): Fresh off his World Cup heroics, Travis Head carried his blazing form into the IPL. He tormented bowlers at the top of the order, etching his name in the record books with the joint-fastest fifty (16 balls) of the season. His aggressive batting yielded a whopping 567 runs at a staggering strike rate exceeding 190. Head’s ability to take the attack to the opposition from the outset provided a crucial platform for SRH’s batting success throughout the tournament. However, his dream run ended on a disappointing note as he was dismissed for a golden duck in the final, which ultimately cost his team the trophy.

2. Sunil Narine (KKR): IPL 2024 witnessed the rebirth of Sunil Narine as a batsman. The enigmatic West Indian, known primarily for his mystery spin, surprised everyone with his explosive batting at the top of the order. He emerged as KKR’s highest run-scorer, accumulating 488 runs throughout the season. But Narine’s impact wasn’t limited to the bat. He continued to be a valuable bowling asset, picking up 17 wickets with an exceptional economy rate under 7. This remarkable two-dimensional performance solidified Narine’s position as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. His ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball makes him an invaluable asset in this Best Playing XI of IPL 2024.

Middle Order:

3. Virat Kohli (RCB): The return of the “King” was a defining narrative of IPL 2024. After facing criticism for his perceived slow batting in previous seasons, Kohli silenced his doubters with a phenomenal run-scoring spree. He amassed a staggering 741 runs at an average of 61.75, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships. This resurgence was instrumental in reviving RCB’s fortunes, propelling them from the bottom of the table to a playoff berth. Virat Kohli’s experience, leadership qualities, and ability to adapt his batting based on the situation make him an undisputed choice for the opening slot in this IPL 2024 Best Playing XI.

4. Riyan Parag (RR): The young prodigy from Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag, had a breakout season in IPL 2024. He emerged as the team’s leading run-scorer and a serious contender for the Orange Cap, amassing a staggering 573 runs at an average exceeding 52.  Parag’s fearless batting approach and his ability to clear the ropes with ease made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers. He consistently batted at number four for RR, playing a pivotal role in propelling them to the playoffs.  While his dismissal in the final was a disappointment, Parag’s overall performance throughout the season warrants his inclusion in this IPL 2024 Best Playing 11. His talent and maturity showcased this season suggest a bright future for the young batsman.

5. Heinrich Klaasen (SRH): The South African wicketkeeper-batsman, Heinrich Klaasen, emerged as the silent hero of the SRH batting lineup.  Nicknamed “Baby AB” for his uncanny resemblance to the legendary AB de Villiers in terms of playing style, Klaasen’s finishing prowess proved invaluable for SRH.  He consistently bailed his team out of precarious situations with his composed batting, accumulating 479 crucial runs throughout the season.  Klaasen’s ability to play big shots and rotate the strike effectively made him a perfect fit for the middle order in this Best Playing 11 of IPL 2024.  He also provided decent wicket-keeping skills, taking 8 catches and effecting 2 stumpings.

6. Rishabh Pant (DC):  After a horrific accident that sidelined him for almost a year and a half, Rishabh Pant’s comeback story in IPL 2024 was one of resilience and determination.  Although his stint as captain for Delhi Capitals wasn’t as successful as hoped, his batting form remained top-notch.  Pant emerged as one of the best finishers in the tournament, scoring a crucial 446 runs and showcasing his ability to play big shots under pressure.  His fearless batting and ability to take the attack to the bowlers in the latter stages of the innings were instrumental in propelling DC’s batting lineup.  Pant’s impressive performance throughout the season earned him a well-deserved call-up to India’s T20 World Cup squad.  While his captaincy might be a point of debate, Pant’s batting prowess makes him a strong contender for the number six position in this Best Playing XI of IPL 2024.

7. Andre Russell (KKR):  The IPL 2024 season witnessed the glorious return of vintage Andre Russell! The Caribbean powerhouse was a force to be reckoned with throughout the tournament. Batting lower in the middle order for the champion Kolkata Knight Riders, Russell amassed 222 runs at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 185.  His power-hitting prowess not only helped KKR accelerate their innings in the death overs but also instilled fear in the hearts of opposition bowlers.  Russell’s all-around brilliance extended beyond the batting crease. He bagged a career-best 19 wickets with his medium pace, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly with the ball as well.  Furthermore, his infectious energy and charismatic presence on the field played a crucial role in uplifting the team spirit and creating a winning momentum for KKR.  Russell’s exceptional two-dimensional performance makes him an undisputed choice for the number seven slot in this IPL 2024 Best Playing XI.

Bowlers: 

8. Harshal Patel (PBKS): Despite Punjab Kings’ overall struggles in IPL 2024, one player emerged as a shining light: Harshal Patel. The right-arm pacer spearheaded the Punjab bowling attack, claiming the prestigious Purple Cap with a staggering 24 wickets throughout the season. Patel’s ability to deceive batsmen with his slower balls and variations proved highly effective, making him a constant threat on the field. Even though his team couldn’t qualify for the playoffs, Harshal Patel’s individual brilliance throughout the tournament warrants his inclusion in this Best IPL 2024 Playing XI.

9. Jasprit Bumrah (MI): While Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom of the IPL 2024 points table, Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling performances deserve recognition. Despite the team’s struggles, Bumrah stood tall, claiming 20 wickets and emerging as the third-highest wicket-taker in the Purple Cap race. More importantly, his bowling economy was an impressive 6.48, highlighting his ability to restrict runs while picking up crucial wickets. Bumrah’s world-class bowling talent and unwavering consistency make him an automatic choice for the pace attack in this Best IPL 2024 Playing XI.

10. Varun Chakaravarthy (KKR): The mystery spinner from Kolkata Knight Riders, Varun Chakaravarthy, played a pivotal role in their championship run. While he started the tournament slowly, Chakaravarthy finished as the leading wicket-taker amongst spinners with a staggering 21 wickets. His ability to control the flow of runs and pick-up wickets in the middle overs proved invaluable for KKR. However, it’s important to note that Chakaravarthy only bowled two overs in the final, which could have potentially yielded more wickets. Despite this, his overall performance throughout the season secures him a spot as the lead spinner in this IPL 2024 Best Playing XI.

11. T Natarajan (KKR): While his performance in the final against SRH might be a talking point (29 runs conceded in 2 overs), T. Natarajan’s overall contribution to KKR’s triumphant season cannot be ignored. Throughout the tournament, he was a dependable left-arm seamer, providing crucial variety to the pace attack alongside the likes of Andre Russell and Pat Cummins. Natarajan bagged 19 wickets with a best bowling performance of 4/19, showcasing his ability to take wickets at key junctures in the innings.

Impact Substitutes:

• Yuzvendra Chahal (RR): The wily leg-spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal, proved to be a game-changer against batting lineups as he finished the season with 18 wickets, and also went on to become the highest wicket-taker in IPL history. His ability to spin the ball away from the right-handers and pick up wickets in the middle overs could prove highly effective. If a team encounters such a batting lineup, bringing in Chahal as an impact substitute could disrupt their momentum and create crucial wicket-taking opportunities.

• Shivam Dube (CSK): The explosive all-rounder, Shivam Dube, offers a dynamic option for the middle order. His ability to score quickly and clear the ropes with ease could be a valuable asset in situations where the team needs to accelerate the scoring rate in the latter stages of the innings. Furthermore, Dube’s medium-pace bowling provides additional bowling depth, making him a well-rounded cricketer who can contribute significantly with both bat and ball. However, he did not get a chance to showcase his bowling prowess in the IPL 2024 and ended the season with 396 runs for CSK, coming in as an impact substitute and changing the game with his fiery batting. 

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