Express looks at the top all-rounders so far in IPL-9
Chris Morris
Delhi Daredevils raised eyebrows in the auction when they shelled out `7 crore for Morris, but the South Africa all-rounder has been repaying the faith. Known for his stump-to-stump bowling and yorkers, the South African enjoys an excellent economy rate of 6.55, and has been Delhi’s go-to man at the death. His batting, too, came to the fore on Wednesday, as he struck 82 off just 32 balls, but still had to finish on the losing side.
Krunal Pandya
One of this season’s surprise packages, stealing the limelight from younger brother Hardik. Krunal has scored 105 runs in five games at an average of 105 (three not outs) and strike rate of 187, besides three wickets. Hasn’t looked back since debut against Gujarat, when he made a 11-ball 20 and dismissed Dinesh Karthik. Given current form, Mumbai Indians could consider moving him up the order.
Dwayne Bravo
Bravo was the leading wicket-taker in 2013 and 2015, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he repeats the feat. With his mix of short balls, slower ones and yorkers, the West Indian has been a clever operator. Probably gave one of his best performances in Gujarat’s win over Delhi on Wednesday. Defending 14 in the last over, against a rampaging Chris Morris, he bowled accurate yorkers to deny the opposition a famous win.
JP Duminy
One of the world’s top all-rounders, the diminutive South African has been a consistent performer for DD, with 928 runs over three seasons at 48.84. After a quiet start, has been in his elements, with scores of 49 not out and 48 against Mumbai and Gujarat Lions, respectively. The former was crucial, as it gave the Delhi innings late momentum, and helped them complete a hat-trick of wins.
Rajat Bhatia
The veteran all-rounder, currently playing for Rajasthan in the domestic circuit, is once again proving his worth in the shortest format. Not given too many chances with the bat, the 36-year-old has been decent with the ball, impressing particularly with his cutters and slower balls in the slog overs. Against KKR in Pune, he gave away just 19 runs and picked up two wickets, including that of the dangerous Yusuf Pathan in the 14th over.