The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about big hitters or deadly bowlers, it’s also about the players who can do both. These cricketers, called all-rounders, are often most valuable to a team. They can change the game with both bat and ball, and sometimes even in the field. Over the years, many all-rounders have shine in the IPL. Let’s look at some of the best all-rounders in IPL history.
1. Shane Watson (Australia)
Shane Watson is one of the most successful all-rounders in IPL history. He represented Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Chennai Super Kings during his IPL career. Watson showcased his all-round talent by scoring over 3,874 runs and taking 92 wickets, which led to him being named Player of the Tournament in the inaugural 2008 IPL season. In the 2018 final, he smashed a match-winning century for CSK, proving how valuable he was.
2. Andre Russell (West Indies)
Andre Russell is known for his power hitting and death over bowling. He has played for Delhi Daredevils and mainly for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Russell has a strike rate of over 174.29, one of the highest in IPL history. He has scored over 2,651 runs and taken 123 wickets. His ability to hit sixes from the first ball and bowl at high speed makes him one the most dangerous players in T20 cricket.
3. Kieron Pollard (West Indies)
Kieron Pollard played a crucial role for Mumbai Indians (MI) for more than a decade. He helped MI win five titles with his explosive batting and handy bowling. Pollard has scored over 3,412 runs and taken 69 wickets. He is also one the best fielders in IPL history. His calm attitude in pressure moments made him a match-winner many times.
4. Ravindra Jadeja (India)
Ravindra Jadeja is a true all-rounder who has been part of Rajasthan Royals, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Gujarat Lions and mainly Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He is known for his sharp left-arm spin, fast fielding and ability to hit big shots. Jadeja has scored over 3,238 runs and taken more than 168 wickets in the IPL. In the 2023 final, he hit six and four off the last two balls to win the trophy for CSK.
5. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Jacques Kallis was one of the most reliable all-rounders during his IPL days with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders. He scored over 2,427 runs and picked up 65 wickets. Kallis was known for his smart batting and clever medium-pace bowling. After retirement, he even became a coach for KKR.
6. Hardik Pandya (India)
Hardik Pandya made his name with Mumbai Indians and later became the captain of Gujarat Titans. He is recognized for his attacking batting style and effective bowling during the middle overs. Pandya has scored over 2,683 runs and taken 77 wickets. Under his captaincy, Gujarat Titans won the IPL title in 2022 and reached the final in 2023, showing his leadership and all-round abilities.
7. Dwayne Bravo (West Indies)
Dwayne Bravo ranks among the most successful bowlers in IPL history. He played for Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, and Chennai Super Kings. Bravo has taken 183 wickets, the most by any overseas player in IPL. He also scored over 1,560 runs and was known for his clever variations in bowling. He won the purple cap twice (2013 and 2015) for taking the most wickets in a season.
All Rounders IPL Stats Table
| Player | Matches | Runs | Batting Strike Rate | Wickets | Teams Played For |
| Shane watson | 145 | 3,874 | 137.91 | 92 | RR, RCB, CSK |
| Andre Russell | 139 | 2,651 | 174.29 | 123 | KKR, DDV |
| Kieron Pollard | 189 | 3,412 | 147.32 | 69 | MI |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 252 | 3,238 | 130.56 | 168 | RR, CSK, GL, KTK |
| Jacque Kallis | 98 | 2,427 | 109.23 | 65 | RCB, KKR |
| Hardik Pandya | 148 | 2,683 | 146.77 | 77 | MI, GT |
| Dwayne Bravo | 161 | 1,560 | 129.57 | 183 | MI, CSK, GL |
These all-rounders have given IPL fans countless memories. From big sixes to crucial wickets, they have done it all. What makes them special is not just their talent, but also their ability to perform under pressure. Whether it’s raining a game, breaking a partnership, or saving runs in the field, these players have done it time and again. All-rounders are the backbone of any T20 team, and the IPL has been lucky to witness some of the greatest of all time.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
