The DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) has become one of the most successful tournaments of its time. The big hitting, fast-paced nature of the Twenty20 game made it a sure-shot success in India. Teams comprising Indian domestic and international cricketers have been part of this 44-day extravaganza. The good thing about the IPL is the presence of four international players, but that does not in any way take away the sheen from the 7 Indians playing in each side.It is somewhat disappointing that the highest run scorer and highest wicket taker so far are foreign players but there are some Indians who have also made their presence felt in the IPL, making the whole nation sit up and take notice of them in the bargain. Let’s look at the Most Valuable Indians in the tournament so far:
Gautam Gambhir: He played well in the ICC T20 World Cup last year and his performances in the IPL just go to show how much he likes this format. The second highest scorer of the tournament and the first to reach 500 runs in the IPL has not even scored a single century. But 523 runs from 13 matches with five half-centuries will surely make him one to look out for in the next season.
S Sreesanth: Sreesanth has proved what a deadly bowler he can be if he just keeps focus and does his job. The second highest wicket taker of the tournament has got 19 scalps from his 14 matches. Though a little expensive, his line, length and accuracy have consistently awarded him with wickets.
Piyush Chawla: Prior to the IPL, there was only talk of Piyush Chawla filling in Anil Kumble’s shoes. But with his performances, Chawla has shown exactly why he is such a deadly spin bowler even in a game where slow bowling is usually taken to the cleaners. 17 wickets in 14 matches means he is tied as the third best bowler of the tournament.
Rohit Sharma: That Sharma could bat in this format of the game was never a doubt in anyone’s mind. Along with Gilchrist, he was the only consistent batsman in the Deccan Chargers line-up and performed time and again despite losing twelve matches in the IPL. He ended up with 404 runs from 13 matches.
Shikhar Dhawan: He was a relative unknown before the series began but the way he handled himself in the presence of Twenty20 veterans, Sehwag and Gambhir meant his consistency did not go unnoticed. Delhi would always manage to lose one wicket and still win the game due to the heroics of this man who averages almost 49 runs per game.
Yo Mahesh: Mahesh is another bowler who was a relative unknown before the IPL began. No one even gave him a chance playing in the same team as Glenn McGrath and Mohammad Asif. But this Indian emerged with better bowling figures than most of his teammates. He is the sixth highest wicket taker of the tournament with 14 wickets in 11 matches and a best of 4/36. Courtsey : IPLT20.com