The stage is all set for the big finale of the Indian Premier League 2018. After 59 exciting matches in the season, it has boiled down to the two sides locking horns for the ultimate glory. The Sunrisers Hyderabad will fittingly play the final against the Chennai Super Kings at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It is worth noting that the fans could not have asked for a better ultimate game.

Both SRH and CSK had finished as the top two sides in the league stages. They were the most consistent and the most dominant sides in the league and hence, this final setup is just the fitting end to a very entertaining season of IPL. During the course of the season, both sides saw their leaders, Kane Williamson and MS Dhoni, lead their respective units from the front.

They proved that the shortest format of the game is not just about the aggression, but having a calming force in the middle makes as much impact. Also, the two sides unearthed some serious talents this season. They found a new match winner in almost every game that they played. Now, as they enter the final of the season, here is a look at such eleven match winners from both the sides who have been instrumental in their success this year. Here is the combined Best XI from the top two sides of the season:

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Shane-Watson-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-242471" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-1.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-242471" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Shane Watson had a very dismal run in the IPL last year. This season, he found himself in the Chennai Super Kings dugout. He was drafted in the playing eleven as the opener. He responded well and gave brisk starts to his side throughout the season. Watson has aggregated 438 runs in the 14 matches that he has played in IPL 2018.

This includes a couple of fifties and a big whirling ton in Pune. His century was the second ton of the tournament this year and it<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-match-17-csk-vs-rr-review-shane-watson-and-bowlers-walk-out-with-a-swagger-of-a-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> came in a winning cause against the Rajasthan Royals</strong></a>. Watson had also chipped in with crucial overs for his skipper in the season.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Kane-Williamson-4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-253330" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson-4.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253330" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad&#8217;s Kane Williamson in action. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption>

Kane Williamson has been the top run scorer in the tournament. In the 16 matches that he has played, Williamson has amassed 688 runs at a staggering average of 52.92. The Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper has hit 8 fifties in the season &#8211; the most by any batsman. He has batted with a healthy strike rate of 143.33.

On tracks when several players have struggled, Williamson has shown great adaptability. Also, the way he has led the SRH camp has beene exceptional. With no David Warner in the side this season, many had their apprehensions about how the Kiwi cricketer would lead the side. But Williamson has done with utmost ease and charm.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Shikhar-Dhawan-5.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-253331" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shikhar-Dhawan-5.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253331" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad&#8217;s Shikhar Dhawan celebrates his half-century. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption>

Shikhar Dhawan started off the IPL 2018 campaign on a very positive note for himself. Dhawan was the star performer with the bat for SRH in the season opener for the side against the Rajasthan Royals. Much to his disappointment, he failed to get going in the next few games. A lot of people started wondering if the southpaw had lost his charm, but the Delhi batsman showed his class yet again as the season approached the business end.

In the match against the Delhi Daredevils, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/alex-hales-takes-twitter-laud-dhawan-williamson-srh-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dhawan scored an unbeaten 92</strong></a> to announce his comeback in style. Dhawan has aggregated 471 runs in the 15 matches that he has played in the season. He has batted with an average touching 40 and with a strike rate of almost 140.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Suresh-Raina-4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-253598" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Suresh-Raina-4.jpg" alt="Suresh Raina" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253598" class="wp-caption-text">Chennai Super Kings&#8217; Suresh Raina in action. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption>

Veteran Indian cricketer Suresh Raina arrived in the tournament under some serious pressure to perform. He has been very vocal and optimistic about his chances of playing international cricket again. And in a bid to do so, he needed to come good for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

The veteran southpaw managed to do so and has been one of the leading run scorers for the Men in Yellow in the season. Dhawan has scored 413 runs in the 14 matches that he has played thus far and averages almost 38 with the bat. He has hit four fifties this season. In addition to his batting might, Raina has contributed heavily in the field as well.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Ambati-Rayudu.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-243097" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ambati-Rayudu.jpg" alt="Ambati Rayudu" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-243097" class="wp-caption-text">Ambati Rayudu plays a shot. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Ambati Rayudu has certainly been the secret superstar of the season. Playing for the new franchise, Rayudu showed great adaptability. He has been a thorough team man and has played excelled at every batting position. He is currently the fourth leading run-getter in the season with 586 runs to his name in 15 matches.

He averaged 41.85 with the bat and has hit 3 fifties and a century for the Chennai Super Kings. His century came against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. His sensational ton fetched him a lot of praises from the cricket fraternity. His <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-sam-billings-dances-tunes-ambati-rayudu-song/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>teammates also came up with jingles</strong></a> for him.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/MS-Dhoni-5.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-250537" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-5.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-250537" class="wp-caption-text">Chennai Super Kings&#8217; MS Dhoni in action. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

MS Dhoni has proved why he is revered as one of the finest captains that the game has ever seen. Dhoni showed great character as a leader to lead his side in the final of the tournament. Also, he has not only been a force as the big brain but has also shown his calibre with the bat.

The fans got to see the vintage Dhoni show on several occasions this season. With 455 runs in 15 matches this season, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bcci-likely-allow-virat-kohli-ms-dhoni-play-100-ball-tournament-england/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MS Dhoni</strong> </a>averages 75.83 with the bat &#8211; the most by any batsman. His unbeaten fifty against the Royal Challengers Bangalore stand out as his best performance this season. He has hit three fifties, including a 22-ball fifty in IPL 2018.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Shakib-Al-Hasan.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-239976" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shakib-Al-Hasan.jpg" alt="Shakib Al Hasan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-239976" class="wp-caption-text">Shakib Al Hasan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Shakib Al Hasan has been an integral part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad playing eleven this season. The Bangladeshi all-rounder has been a middle order mainstay for his side. With the likes of Manish Pandey not firing this season, Shakib has had a big role to play.

In the 16 matches that he has played, he has contributed with 216 runs. His major contribution for the side has come with the ball though. He has scalped 14 wickets in the 16 matches played. He has conceded runs at an economy less than 8. He has been a partnership breaker for SRH this season.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Deepak-Chahar-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-254216" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Deepak-Chahar-1.jpg" alt="Deepak Chahar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-254216" class="wp-caption-text">Deepak Chahar of Sunrisers Hyderabad celebrates the fall of Shikhar Dhawan&#8217;s wicket. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption>

Deepak Chahar has been a revelation this year. Having been on the bench for the major part of the IPL last season in the Rising Pune Supergiant dugout, Deepak Chahar got his due chances in the Chennai Super Kings outfit this season. He proved his worth by bowling some lovely spells throughout the season.

He has been a great swing bowling prospect and Dhoni has not been shy of letting Chahar bowl all his four overs with the new ball. In the 11 matches that he has played, he has bagged 10 wickets with a best of 3/15 to his name against the Sunrisers. He has also contributed with some handy cameos with the bat.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-255362" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rashid-Khan-bowling.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-255362" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan of Sunrisers Hyderabad celebrates. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption>

Rashid Khan is an absolute superstar. The Sunrisers leggie singlehandedly knocked Kolkata Knight Riders out of the tournament in the penultimate game of the season. Rashid hit a 10-ball 34 in the game and then backed it up with figures of 3/19.

His performance <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/afghanistan-president-shares-special-message-rashid-khan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fetched him praises from the Afghanistan President</strong></a> as well. Throughout the tournament, he has taken key wickets. He has dismissed the likes of Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Chris Lynn and many more. He has scalped 21 wickets in the 16 matches played thus far with an economy of just 6.78.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Shardul-Thakur.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-246214" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shardul-Thakur.jpg" alt="Shardul Thakur" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246214" class="wp-caption-text">Shardul Thakur. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Shardul Thakur has been the leading wicket-taker for the Chennai Super Kings in the tournament. Thakur has pocketed 15 wickets in the 12 matches that he has played in the season. He has been guilty of leaking a lot of runs but the fact that he been a wicket-taking bowler more than just compensates for the same.

Also, Thakur played a match-changing cameo in the Qualifier 1 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad when his three boundaries overturned the fortunes of the CSK run chase. He will be hoping to cap off the good season with an impressive show in the final.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Siddarth-Kaul-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-246040" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Siddarth-Kaul-2.jpg" alt="India Siddarth Kaul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246040" class="wp-caption-text">Siddarth Kaul of Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Siddarth Kaul has arguably been the most impressive fast bowler in the IPL 2018. Over the last couple of years, Kaul had largely played under the shadows of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. This season, he has made a mark for himself. Kaul has scalped 21 wickets in 16 matches and is currently second in the list of leading wicket-takers this season.

He has bowled with a very impressive strike rate of 18. In the tournament, he has shown great control over his yorkers. Also, his well-directed bouncers in the first game of the season for SRH against the Rajasthan Royals saw him grab some serious attention.

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<p>The stage is all set for the big finale of the Indian Premier League 2018. After 59 exciting matches in the season, it has boiled down to the two sides locking horns for the ultimate glory. The Sunrisers Hyderabad will fittingly play the final against the Chennai Super Kings at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It is worth noting that the fans could not have asked for a better ultimate game.</p>
<p>Both SRH and CSK had finished as the top two sides in the league&nbsp;stages. They were the most consistent and the most dominant sides in the league and hence, this final setup is just the fitting end to a very entertaining season of IPL.&nbsp;During the course of the season, both sides saw their leaders, Kane Williamson and MS Dhoni, lead their respective units from the front.</p>
<p>They proved that the shortest format of the game is not just about the aggression, but having a calming force in the middle makes as much impact. Also, the two sides unearthed some serious talents this season. They found a new match winner in almost every game that they played. Now, as they enter the final of the season, here is a look at such eleven match winners from both the sides who have been instrumental in their success this year. Here is the combined Best XI from the top two sides of the season:</p>
<h3>1. Shane Watson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_242471" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-242471" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Shane-Watson-1.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-242471" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-1.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-242471" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Shane Watson had a very dismal run in the IPL last year. This season, he found himself in the Chennai Super Kings dugout. He was drafted in the playing eleven as the opener. He responded well and gave brisk starts to his side throughout the season. Watson has aggregated 438 runs in the 14 matches that he has played in IPL 2018.</p>
<p>This includes a couple of fifties and a big whirling ton in Pune. His century was the second ton of the tournament this year and it<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-match-17-csk-vs-rr-review-shane-watson-and-bowlers-walk-out-with-a-swagger-of-a-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> came in a winning cause against the Rajasthan Royals</strong></a>. Watson had also chipped in with crucial overs for his skipper in the season.</p>
<h3>2. Kane Williamson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_253330" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-253330" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Kane-Williamson-4.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-253330" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson-4.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253330" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Kane Williamson in action. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Kane Williamson has been the top run scorer in the tournament. In the 16 matches that he has played, Williamson has amassed 688 runs at a staggering average of 52.92. The Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper has hit 8 fifties in the season – the most by any batsman. He has batted with a healthy strike rate of 143.33.</p>
<p>On tracks when several players have struggled, Williamson has shown great adaptability. Also, the way he has led the SRH camp has beene exceptional. With no David Warner in the side this season, many had their apprehensions about how the Kiwi cricketer would lead the side. But Williamson has done with utmost ease and charm.</p>
<h3>3. Shikhar Dhawan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_253331" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-253331" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Shikhar-Dhawan-5.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-253331" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shikhar-Dhawan-5.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253331" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Shikhar Dhawan celebrates his half-century. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Shikhar Dhawan started off the IPL 2018 campaign on a very positive note for himself. Dhawan was the star performer with the bat for SRH in the season opener for the side against the Rajasthan Royals. Much to his disappointment, he failed to get going in the next few games. A lot of people started wondering if the southpaw had lost his charm, but the Delhi batsman showed his class yet again as the season approached the business end.</p>
<p>In the match against the Delhi Daredevils, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/alex-hales-takes-twitter-laud-dhawan-williamson-srh-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dhawan scored an unbeaten 92</strong></a> to announce his comeback in style. Dhawan has aggregated 471 runs in the 15 matches that he has played in the season. He has batted with an average touching 40 and with a strike rate of almost 140.</p>
<h3>4. Suresh Raina</h3>
<figure id="attachment_253598" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-253598" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Suresh-Raina-4.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-253598" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Suresh-Raina-4.jpg" alt="Suresh Raina" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253598" class="wp-caption-text">Chennai Super Kings’ Suresh Raina in action. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Veteran Indian cricketer Suresh Raina arrived in the tournament under some serious pressure to perform. He has been very vocal and optimistic about his chances of playing international cricket again. And in a bid to do so, he needed to come good for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.</p>
<p>The veteran southpaw managed to do so and has been one of the leading run scorers for the Men in Yellow in the season. Dhawan has scored 413 runs in the 14 matches that he has played thus far and averages almost 38 with the bat. He has hit four fifties this season. In addition to his batting might, Raina has contributed heavily in the field as well.</p>
<h3>5. Ambati Rayudu</h3>
<figure id="attachment_243097" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-243097" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Ambati-Rayudu.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-243097" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ambati-Rayudu.jpg" alt="Ambati Rayudu" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-243097" class="wp-caption-text">Ambati Rayudu plays a shot. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ambati Rayudu has certainly been the secret superstar of the season. Playing for the new franchise, Rayudu showed great adaptability. He has been a thorough team man and has played excelled at every batting position. He is currently the fourth leading run-getter in the season with 586 runs to his name in 15 matches.</p>
<p>He averaged 41.85 with the bat and has hit 3 fifties and a century for the Chennai Super Kings. His century came against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.&nbsp;His sensational ton fetched him a lot of praises from the cricket fraternity. His <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-sam-billings-dances-tunes-ambati-rayudu-song/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>teammates also came up with jingles</strong></a> for him.</p>
<h3>6. MS Dhoni (C)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_250537" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-250537" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/MS-Dhoni-5.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-250537" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-5.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-250537" class="wp-caption-text">Chennai Super Kings’ MS Dhoni in action. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>MS Dhoni has proved why he is revered as one of the finest captains that the game has ever seen. Dhoni showed great character as a leader to lead his side in the final of the tournament. Also, he has not only been a force as the big brain but has also shown his calibre with the bat.</p>
<p>The fans got to see the vintage Dhoni show on several occasions this season. With 455 runs in 15 matches this season, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bcci-likely-allow-virat-kohli-ms-dhoni-play-100-ball-tournament-england/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MS Dhoni</strong> </a>averages 75.83 with the bat – the most by any batsman. His unbeaten fifty against the Royal Challengers Bangalore stand out as his best performance this season. He has hit three fifties, including a 22-ball fifty in IPL 2018.</p>
<h3>7. Shakib Al Hasan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_239976" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-239976" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Shakib-Al-Hasan.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-239976" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shakib-Al-Hasan.jpg" alt="Shakib Al Hasan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-239976" class="wp-caption-text">Shakib Al Hasan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Shakib Al Hasan has been an integral part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad playing eleven this season. The Bangladeshi all-rounder has been a middle order mainstay for his side. With the likes of Manish Pandey not firing this season, Shakib has had a big role to play.</p>
<p>In the 16 matches that he has played, he has contributed with 216 runs. His major contribution for the side has come with the ball though. He has scalped 14 wickets in the 16 matches played. He has conceded runs at an economy less than 8. He has been a partnership breaker for SRH this season.</p>
<h3>8. Deepak Chahar</h3>
<figure id="attachment_254216" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-254216" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Deepak-Chahar-1.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-254216" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Deepak-Chahar-1.jpg" alt="Deepak Chahar" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-254216" class="wp-caption-text">Deepak Chahar of Sunrisers Hyderabad celebrates the fall of Shikhar Dhawan’s wicket. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Deepak Chahar has been a revelation this year. Having been on the bench for the major part of the IPL last season in the Rising Pune Supergiant dugout, Deepak Chahar got his due chances in the Chennai Super Kings outfit this season. He proved his worth by bowling some lovely spells throughout the season.</p>
<p>He has been a great swing bowling prospect and Dhoni has not been shy of letting Chahar bowl all his four overs with the new ball. In the 11 matches that he has played, he has bagged 10 wickets with a best of 3/15 to his name against the Sunrisers. He has also contributed with some handy cameos with the bat.</p>
<h3>9. Rashid Khan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_255362" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-255362" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-255362" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rashid-Khan-bowling.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-255362" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan of Sunrisers Hyderabad celebrates. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Rashid Khan is an absolute superstar. The Sunrisers leggie singlehandedly knocked Kolkata Knight Riders out of the tournament in the penultimate game of the season. Rashid hit a 10-ball 34 in the game and then backed it up with figures of 3/19.</p>
<p>His performance <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/afghanistan-president-shares-special-message-rashid-khan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fetched him praises from the Afghanistan President</strong></a> as well. Throughout the tournament, he has taken key wickets. He has dismissed the likes of Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Chris Lynn and many more. He has scalped 21 wickets in the 16 matches played thus far with an economy of just 6.78.</p>
<h3>10. Shardul Thakur</h3>
<figure id="attachment_246214" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-246214" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Shardul-Thakur.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-246214" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shardul-Thakur.jpg" alt="Shardul Thakur" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246214" class="wp-caption-text">Shardul Thakur. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Shardul Thakur has been the leading wicket-taker for the Chennai Super Kings in the tournament. Thakur has pocketed 15 wickets in the 12 matches that he has played in the season. He has been guilty of leaking a lot of runs but the fact that he been a wicket-taking bowler more than just compensates for the same.</p>
<p>Also, Thakur played a match-changing cameo in the Qualifier 1 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad when his three boundaries overturned the fortunes of the CSK run chase. He will be hoping to cap off the good season with an impressive show in the final.</p>
<h3>11. Siddarth Kaul</h3>
<figure id="attachment_246040" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-246040" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Siddarth-Kaul-2.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-246040" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Siddarth-Kaul-2.jpg" alt="India Siddarth Kaul" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246040" class="wp-caption-text">Siddarth Kaul of Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Siddarth Kaul has arguably been the most impressive fast bowler in the IPL 2018. Over the last couple of years, Kaul had largely played under the shadows of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. This season, he has made a mark for himself. Kaul has scalped 21 wickets in 16 matches and is currently second in the list of leading wicket-takers this season.</p>
<p>He has bowled with a very impressive strike rate of 18. In the tournament, he has shown great control over his yorkers. Also, his well-directed bouncers in the first game of the season for SRH against the Rajasthan Royals saw him grab some serious attention.</p>
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<p>The stage is all set for the big finale of the Indian Premier League 2018. After 59 exciting matches in the season, it has boiled down to the two sides locking horns for the ultimate glory. The Sunrisers Hyderabad will fittingly play the final against the Chennai Super Kings at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It is worth noting that the fans could not have asked for a better ultimate game.</p>
<p>Both SRH and CSK had finished as the top two sides in the league stages. They were the most consistent and the most dominant sides in the league and hence, this final setup is just the fitting end to a very entertaining season of IPL. During the course of the season, both sides saw their leaders, Kane Williamson and MS Dhoni, lead their respective units from the front.</p>
<p>They proved that the shortest format of the game is not just about the aggression, but having a calming force in the middle makes as much impact. Also, the two sides unearthed some serious talents this season. They found a new match winner in almost every game that they played. Now, as they enter the final of the season, here is a look at such eleven match winners from both the sides who have been instrumental in their success this year. Here is the combined Best XI from the top two sides of the season:</p>
<h3>1. Shane Watson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_242471" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-242471" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Shane-Watson-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-242471" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-1.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-242471" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Shane Watson had a very dismal run in the IPL last year. This season, he found himself in the Chennai Super Kings dugout. He was drafted in the playing eleven as the opener. He responded well and gave brisk starts to his side throughout the season. Watson has aggregated 438 runs in the 14 matches that he has played in IPL 2018.</p>
<p>This includes a couple of fifties and a big whirling ton in Pune. His century was the second ton of the tournament this year and it<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-match-17-csk-vs-rr-review-shane-watson-and-bowlers-walk-out-with-a-swagger-of-a-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> came in a winning cause against the Rajasthan Royals</strong></a>. Watson had also chipped in with crucial overs for his skipper in the season.</p>
<h3>2. Kane Williamson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_253330" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-253330" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Kane-Williamson-4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-253330" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson-4.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253330" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad&#8217;s Kane Williamson in action. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Kane Williamson has been the top run scorer in the tournament. In the 16 matches that he has played, Williamson has amassed 688 runs at a staggering average of 52.92. The Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper has hit 8 fifties in the season &#8211; the most by any batsman. He has batted with a healthy strike rate of 143.33.</p>
<p>On tracks when several players have struggled, Williamson has shown great adaptability. Also, the way he has led the SRH camp has beene exceptional. With no David Warner in the side this season, many had their apprehensions about how the Kiwi cricketer would lead the side. But Williamson has done with utmost ease and charm.</p>
<h3>3. Shikhar Dhawan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_253331" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-253331" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Shikhar-Dhawan-5.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-253331" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shikhar-Dhawan-5.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253331" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad&#8217;s Shikhar Dhawan celebrates his half-century. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Shikhar Dhawan started off the IPL 2018 campaign on a very positive note for himself. Dhawan was the star performer with the bat for SRH in the season opener for the side against the Rajasthan Royals. Much to his disappointment, he failed to get going in the next few games. A lot of people started wondering if the southpaw had lost his charm, but the Delhi batsman showed his class yet again as the season approached the business end.</p>
<p>In the match against the Delhi Daredevils, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/alex-hales-takes-twitter-laud-dhawan-williamson-srh-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dhawan scored an unbeaten 92</strong></a> to announce his comeback in style. Dhawan has aggregated 471 runs in the 15 matches that he has played in the season. He has batted with an average touching 40 and with a strike rate of almost 140.</p>
<h3>4. Suresh Raina</h3>
<figure id="attachment_253598" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-253598" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Suresh-Raina-4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-253598" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Suresh-Raina-4.jpg" alt="Suresh Raina" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-253598" class="wp-caption-text">Chennai Super Kings&#8217; Suresh Raina in action. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Veteran Indian cricketer Suresh Raina arrived in the tournament under some serious pressure to perform. He has been very vocal and optimistic about his chances of playing international cricket again. And in a bid to do so, he needed to come good for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.</p>
<p>The veteran southpaw managed to do so and has been one of the leading run scorers for the Men in Yellow in the season. Dhawan has scored 413 runs in the 14 matches that he has played thus far and averages almost 38 with the bat. He has hit four fifties this season. In addition to his batting might, Raina has contributed heavily in the field as well.</p>
<h3>5. Ambati Rayudu</h3>
<figure id="attachment_243097" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-243097" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Ambati-Rayudu.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-243097" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ambati-Rayudu.jpg" alt="Ambati Rayudu" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-243097" class="wp-caption-text">Ambati Rayudu plays a shot. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ambati Rayudu has certainly been the secret superstar of the season. Playing for the new franchise, Rayudu showed great adaptability. He has been a thorough team man and has played excelled at every batting position. He is currently the fourth leading run-getter in the season with 586 runs to his name in 15 matches.</p>
<p>He averaged 41.85 with the bat and has hit 3 fifties and a century for the Chennai Super Kings. His century came against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. His sensational ton fetched him a lot of praises from the cricket fraternity. His <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-sam-billings-dances-tunes-ambati-rayudu-song/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>teammates also came up with jingles</strong></a> for him.</p>
<h3>6. MS Dhoni (C)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_250537" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-250537" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/MS-Dhoni-5.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-250537" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-5.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-250537" class="wp-caption-text">Chennai Super Kings&#8217; MS Dhoni in action. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>MS Dhoni has proved why he is revered as one of the finest captains that the game has ever seen. Dhoni showed great character as a leader to lead his side in the final of the tournament. Also, he has not only been a force as the big brain but has also shown his calibre with the bat.</p>
<p>The fans got to see the vintage Dhoni show on several occasions this season. With 455 runs in 15 matches this season, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bcci-likely-allow-virat-kohli-ms-dhoni-play-100-ball-tournament-england/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MS Dhoni</strong> </a>averages 75.83 with the bat &#8211; the most by any batsman. His unbeaten fifty against the Royal Challengers Bangalore stand out as his best performance this season. He has hit three fifties, including a 22-ball fifty in IPL 2018.</p>
<h3>7. Shakib Al Hasan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_239976" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-239976" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Shakib-Al-Hasan.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-239976" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shakib-Al-Hasan.jpg" alt="Shakib Al Hasan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-239976" class="wp-caption-text">Shakib Al Hasan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Shakib Al Hasan has been an integral part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad playing eleven this season. The Bangladeshi all-rounder has been a middle order mainstay for his side. With the likes of Manish Pandey not firing this season, Shakib has had a big role to play.</p>
<p>In the 16 matches that he has played, he has contributed with 216 runs. His major contribution for the side has come with the ball though. He has scalped 14 wickets in the 16 matches played. He has conceded runs at an economy less than 8. He has been a partnership breaker for SRH this season.</p>
<h3>8. Deepak Chahar</h3>
<figure id="attachment_254216" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-254216" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/05/Deepak-Chahar-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-254216" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Deepak-Chahar-1.jpg" alt="Deepak Chahar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-254216" class="wp-caption-text">Deepak Chahar of Sunrisers Hyderabad celebrates the fall of Shikhar Dhawan&#8217;s wicket. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Deepak Chahar has been a revelation this year. Having been on the bench for the major part of the IPL last season in the Rising Pune Supergiant dugout, Deepak Chahar got his due chances in the Chennai Super Kings outfit this season. He proved his worth by bowling some lovely spells throughout the season.</p>
<p>He has been a great swing bowling prospect and Dhoni has not been shy of letting Chahar bowl all his four overs with the new ball. In the 11 matches that he has played, he has bagged 10 wickets with a best of 3/15 to his name against the Sunrisers. He has also contributed with some handy cameos with the bat.</p>
<h3>9. Rashid Khan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_255362" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-255362" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-255362" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rashid-Khan-bowling.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-255362" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan of Sunrisers Hyderabad celebrates. (Photo by Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Rashid Khan is an absolute superstar. The Sunrisers leggie singlehandedly knocked Kolkata Knight Riders out of the tournament in the penultimate game of the season. Rashid hit a 10-ball 34 in the game and then backed it up with figures of 3/19.</p>
<p>His performance <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/afghanistan-president-shares-special-message-rashid-khan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fetched him praises from the Afghanistan President</strong></a> as well. Throughout the tournament, he has taken key wickets. He has dismissed the likes of Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Chris Lynn and many more. He has scalped 21 wickets in the 16 matches played thus far with an economy of just 6.78.</p>
<h3>10. Shardul Thakur</h3>
<figure id="attachment_246214" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-246214" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Shardul-Thakur.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-246214" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shardul-Thakur.jpg" alt="Shardul Thakur" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246214" class="wp-caption-text">Shardul Thakur. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Shardul Thakur has been the leading wicket-taker for the Chennai Super Kings in the tournament. Thakur has pocketed 15 wickets in the 12 matches that he has played in the season. He has been guilty of leaking a lot of runs but the fact that he been a wicket-taking bowler more than just compensates for the same.</p>
<p>Also, Thakur played a match-changing cameo in the Qualifier 1 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad when his three boundaries overturned the fortunes of the CSK run chase. He will be hoping to cap off the good season with an impressive show in the final.</p>
<h3>11. Siddarth Kaul</h3>
<figure id="attachment_246040" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-246040" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Siddarth-Kaul-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-246040" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Siddarth-Kaul-2.jpg" alt="India Siddarth Kaul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246040" class="wp-caption-text">Siddarth Kaul of Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Siddarth Kaul has arguably been the most impressive fast bowler in the IPL 2018. Over the last couple of years, Kaul had largely played under the shadows of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. This season, he has made a mark for himself. Kaul has scalped 21 wickets in 16 matches and is currently second in the list of leading wicket-takers this season.</p>
<p>He has bowled with a very impressive strike rate of 18. In the tournament, he has shown great control over his yorkers. Also, his well-directed bouncers in the first game of the season for SRH against the Rajasthan Royals saw him grab some serious attention.</p>
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Here is a look at the top performers of the top two sides of IPL 2018.

IPL 2018: Combined SRH-CSK Best XI of the season

The stage is all set for the big finale of the Indian Premier League 2018. After 59 exciting matches in the season, it has boiled down to the two sides