Team of the Tournament: Best Playing XI of the IPL 2023

The IPL season came to a thrilling conclusion with Chennai Super Kings emerging as the champions for the fifth time, securing a victory on the final ball. Throughout the two-month tournament, numerous Indian and international cricket players garnered attention with their remarkable performances

Here is our selection of the standout performers from all 10 franchises for the Best Playing XI of the IPL 2023:

1. Shubman Gill

Gill truly came into his own this season, showcasing his true potential. Although he struggled to convert starts in the first half of the tournament, when he did, it had a frightening impact. He scored three centuries in just four innings, all of which resulted in the opposing teams’ elimination from the tournament. In a flash, he rose to the top of the highest run-getters’ list in IPL 2023 and secured the Orange Cap, amassing 890 runs from 17 innings at an average of 59.33 and an impressive strike rate of 157.80. These statistics speak for themselves.

2. Faf du Plessis (captain)

Du Plessis, the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain, was the epitome of consistency while opening the innings for his team throughout the season. He remained solid as ever, electrifying in the field, and for a significant part of IPL 2023, he wore the Orange Cap until RCB exited in the league stage. Du Plessis scored 730 runs in 14 innings at an average of 56.15 and a superb strike rate of 153.68.

3. Cameron Green

Green, the second-most expensive player in IPL history, could have easily succumbed to the pressure of his remarkable price tag. However, he didn’t disappoint. While his fast bowling didn’t have a significant impact, he stepped up with the bat when the Mumbai Indians needed him the most. In a must-win match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Australian all-rounder smashed a blistering century in a 200-plus chase to keep his team’s playoff hopes alive. In 16 matches, he scored 452 runs at an average of 50.22 and an outstanding strike rate of 160.28, including one century and two fifties.

4. Suryakumar Yadav

Known as Mr. 360, Suryakumar had a quiet start to the season but once he found his rhythm, there was no looking back. He finished with one century and five half-centuries, accumulating 605 runs, the highest among all Mumbai Indians batters this season. His presence in the middle-order provided strength to the five-time IPL champions, especially when chasing down 200-plus totals. He displayed incredible power-hitting, striking at a devastating strike rate of 181.13.

5. Rinku Singh

Looking for a finisher? Look no further than Rinku. The Kolkata Knight Riders owe a debt of gratitude to this young player for consistently rescuing them in what turned out to be a forgettable season for the team. His remarkable feat of hitting five consecutive sixes in the final over of a 200-plus chase against the Gujarat Titans will undoubtedly be remembered for a long time. It was a breakthrough year for Rinku, and he is now being touted for his debut in the Indian team. He scored 474 runs at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.52.

6. Ravindra Jadeja

The sight of Jadeja sprinting past the Gujarat Titans dressing room before embracing MS Dhoni, who lifted him up in an emotional moment, created a blockbuster finale. In the IPL final, needing 10 runs off two balls against one of the top bowlers of the season, Jadeja remained composed and hit a six off the fifth ball, followed by a four to fine leg off a low full toss, sparking jubilant celebrations in the Chennai Super Kings camp. Let’s not forget that earlier in the match, he outsmarted the in-form Gill to have him stumped. Batting lower down the order, he scored 190 runs at a strike rate of 142.85. However, it was his left-arm spin bowling that made the greatest impact. He claimed 20 wickets from 16 matches at an average of 21.55 and an economy rate of 7.56.

7. Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper)

Amidst a dismal season for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Klaasen stood out with his impressive and dominant performances. He handled both pacers and spinners with equal ease. Despite joining the team a bit later due to international commitments with South Africa, he made an immediate impact, scoring 448 runs in 11 innings at an average of 49.78 and a brilliant strike rate of 177.07. He recorded a scintillating century and two half-centuries.

8. Rashid Khan

The Afghan leg-spinner is establishing himself as one of the most consistent performers in the IPL. He took 27 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 20.44 and an economy rate of 8.23. However, he leaked runs more than usual this season, especially in the Powerplay overs. Nevertheless, he showed his resilience and effectiveness in the middle and death overs. He also made an impact with the bat, coming close to leading the Gujarat Titans to an unlikely victory against the Mumbai Indians when he smashed an unbeaten 79 off just 32 balls.

Read more: Top 5 Richest Indian Cricketers

9. Mohammed Shami

Shami was a significant threat during the Powerplay overs. His tally of 17 wickets in this phase set a record for a bowler in a single IPL season. Overall, he claimed 28 wickets at an average of 18.64 and an economy rate of 8.03. His spell of 4/7 in just three overs during the Powerplay phase against the Delhi Capitals is still fresh in memory. Shami secured the Purple Cap as the Gujarat Titans reached the final for the second consecutive season.

10. Mohit Sharma

Hard work pays off, as evident from Mohit’s sensational display this season, following two unsold seasons and serving as a net bowler for the Gujarat Titans despite being a previous winner of the Purple Cap. The team showed faith in him by acquiring him in the mini auction last year, and he repaid their trust with 27 wickets in 14 matches at an exceptional average of 13.37 and an economy rate of 8.17. He delivered his best performance during the second qualifier against the Mumbai Indians, taking 5/10 in just 2.2 overs.

11. Mohammed Siraj

Despite being ninth on the list of top wicket-takers this season, Siraj’s inclusion is based on his effectiveness in the Powerplay overs. He claimed 10 wickets in that phase alone. Overall, he took 19 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 19.78 and an economy rate of 7.52. Siraj was regularly called upon in crucial situations, and he consistently delivered, often making an impact right from the first over itself.

For more stories, click here.