IPL 2023: 5 best finishers of the season

The 16th season of the much-celebrated Indian Premier League successfully concluded on midnight of May 30. With a stunning victory against the champion Gujarat Titans in a rain-affected, thrilling finale, the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings won the title for a record-equalling fifth time. Complete team effort from every player in the summit clash helped CSK clinch the title. From some fiery knocks by Shivam Dube, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rayudu to a six and a four by Ravindra Jadeja off the game's final two balls, CSK registered a magnificent victory. There have been several spectacular performances this season, which have undoubtedly been the highlight of the tournament. A total of 74 matches witnessed some fantastic individual performances, especially from the finishers who played significant roles for their franchises, winning not only the matches but also the hearts of several fans. Let's have a look at the best five finishers who wowed everyone with their performances and created an impact. Five best finishers of the season- 5. Jitesh Sharma Jitesh Sharma Batting. (Photo Source : Twitter) After MS Dhoni, there’s another wicketkeeper batter whose impeccable batting performance this season gave him a spot in the list. It's none other than the Punjab Kings' hard-hitting wicketkeeper batter, Jitesh Sharma. He played 14 matches for his team, scoring 309 runs with an average of 23.77 and a strike rate of 156.06. With remarkable consistency, he played some very crucial knocks, a memorable one coming against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, when he scored 25 runs off just seven deliveries and four sixes. In addition, Jitesh destroyed Royal Challengers Bangalore's bowling unit when he notched up 41 runs off just 27 balls. Despite PBKS' defeat, Jitesh grabbed eyeballs as he impressed every viewer. His hard-hitting ability had left a huge impact on not just the fans but even veteran cricketers. 4. Marcus Stoinis Marcus Stoinis. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL) Impressive strike rate and boundary-hitting prowess are the pre-requisites when it comes to finishing skills. And when Marcus Stoinis takes the strike, these two factors are very well served. The Australian all-rounder has done wonders for the Lucknow Super Giants franchise over the past two years. Lucknow struggled to get going while playing against Mumbai Indians, since no batter could handle the opposition's bowling onslaught. Marcus Stoinis, though, hammered an unbeaten 89 off 47 balls with skipper Krunal Pandya by his side to keep Lucknow's momentum going. Stoinis has shown his mettle on several occasions, and one such scene was a game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he struck six fours and five sixes in his knock of 65(30). With his attitude and propensity of hitting massive sixes, he dismantled some elite bowling lineups and helped Lucknow secure a place in the playoffs. 3. Shimron Hetmyer Shimron Hetmyer. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL) Despite Rajasthan's unexpected drop in their performances, Shimron Hetmyer's newly discovered spark was clearly visible. In 13 innings, he racked up 299 runs, averaging 37.38 and at a strike rate of 151.78. Being very specific about the role he has to play, he gave his fans an innings to remember when he hit 56 off 26 balls to give Rajasthan a victory over the Gujarat Titans. Hetmyer didn't stop there as he continued to play consistently and scored for his team on several occasions to help his side secure victories. He has been an excellent finisher for RR, not just in the IPL 2023 but also in the previous season. He scored 314 runs in 15 innings with an average of 44.86 and a strike rate of 153.92 the previous season, and he continued that consistency this year as well. Out of the 13 innings, he finished unbeaten five times and also notched up a memorable half-century. 2. Nicholas Pooran Nicholas Pooran. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL) There were several sparks during the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Lucknow Super Giants game. And that also includes some exhilarating batting displays. Nicholas Pooran's batting performances made people take notice of his skills, as he hit the quickest fifty of this season. Marcus Stoinis and KL Rahul provided a crucial 50-run partnership after LSG's shaky start against RCB, and the West Indies batting prodigy took the opposition bowlers for a ride. He demonstrated his tremendous talent with a magnificent knock of 62 runs off only 19 balls with a strike rate of 326. Flourishing in the finisher’s role in the lower middle order, he hit some outstanding shots against Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata throughout the season. In 15 innings, he scored 358 runs at a strike rate of 172.94. 1. Rinku Singh Rinku Singh. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI) One name, that every Kolkata Knight Riders fan chanted when the team were in trouble was that of Rinku Singh. With his amazing over of five consecutive sixes against the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans, Rinku made a name for himself among all the IPL fans, He had a fantastic season as he amassed 474 runs in his 14 innings, with a strike rate of 149.53 and an average of 59.25. He emerged as the highest run scorer for his team and played arguably his finest season in the tournament's history. He continued his batting prowess, scoring 58 runs against SRH, 53 runs against CSK, and 46 runs against RCB. The power-hitter always turned challenges into opportunities for his team, showing up whenever KKR needed him to. And because of such stellar performances from his bat, he made his case for an India call-up even stronger.

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IPL 2023: 5 best finishers of the season

The 74 games of the IPL 2023 witnessed some players consistently giving their best and taking their team over the line during run chases.

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