Vote for the best in the IPL
Make your vote count in the Incredible Awards, presented by Star Sports in association with ESPNcricinfo
ESPNcricinfo staff
10-Feb-2023
BCCI
It's time to put your voting hats on. The IPL is 15 years old and Star Sports is partnering with ESPNcricinfo to celebrate the top performers in the league with the Incredible Awards. We invite you to join an expert jury panel, comprising cricketers, broadcasters and journalists, to decide the winners in each category. The awards will be announced on Star Sports on February 20, the day the first IPL auction took place 15 years ago. You can vote for your pick in the different categories below. Keep checking this page daily for new categories.
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Best Bowling in an IPL season
From the four nominees, you need to vote for one in the poll below.
Sunil Narine, 2012
Narine was instrumental in Kolkata Knight Riders' maiden IPL title victory, winning player of the tournament for his 24 wickets, taken while going for just 5.47 an over. In his first IPL season, Narine won three player-of-the-match awards - for his 5/19 against KXIP, his 1/13 against Pune Warriors and his 4/15 against Mumbai Indians.
Narine was instrumental in Kolkata Knight Riders' maiden IPL title victory, winning player of the tournament for his 24 wickets, taken while going for just 5.47 an over. In his first IPL season, Narine won three player-of-the-match awards - for his 5/19 against KXIP, his 1/13 against Pune Warriors and his 4/15 against Mumbai Indians.
Rashid Khan, 2018
Rashid's second season in the IPL was his most prolific, his 21 wickets helping Sunrisers Hyderabad reach the final. He went at just 6.73 an over in the season and won four player-of-the-match awards, including one in the second qualifier, in which his 3/19 scuppered KKR's chase. Earlier in the season, his 2/11 helped SRH defend 118 against Mumbai Indians.
Rashid's second season in the IPL was his most prolific, his 21 wickets helping Sunrisers Hyderabad reach the final. He went at just 6.73 an over in the season and won four player-of-the-match awards, including one in the second qualifier, in which his 3/19 scuppered KKR's chase. Earlier in the season, his 2/11 helped SRH defend 118 against Mumbai Indians.
Jofra Archer, 2020
Archer dazzled with his searing pace, taking 20 wickets for Rajasthan Royals while going at just 6.55 an over. He struck across all phases, taking 10 wickets in the powerplay, five in the middle and five at the death. His powerplay economy rate was just 4.34 as teams could not handle his pace and bounce with the new ball. It was enough to earn him the most valuable player of the season award.
Archer dazzled with his searing pace, taking 20 wickets for Rajasthan Royals while going at just 6.55 an over. He struck across all phases, taking 10 wickets in the powerplay, five in the middle and five at the death. His powerplay economy rate was just 4.34 as teams could not handle his pace and bounce with the new ball. It was enough to earn him the most valuable player of the season award.
Yuzvendra Chahal, 2022
RCB's record wicket-taker enjoyed his best season after a move to Rajasthan Royals. He won his first purple cap, for his 27 wickets, which helped Royals reach the final. What was also impressive was that he regularly bowled in the death and took seven wickets there, going at under 10 an over. He won player-of-the-match awards for his 5/40 against KKR, which included a hat-trick, and his 4/41 against Lucknow Super Giants.
RCB's record wicket-taker enjoyed his best season after a move to Rajasthan Royals. He won his first purple cap, for his 27 wickets, which helped Royals reach the final. What was also impressive was that he regularly bowled in the death and took seven wickets there, going at under 10 an over. He won player-of-the-match awards for his 5/40 against KKR, which included a hat-trick, and his 4/41 against Lucknow Super Giants.
Best Batting in an IPL season
From the four nominees, you need to vote for one in the poll below.
Chris Gayle, 2011
While 2012 was Gayle's most prolific season, the sheer shock of his impact in 2011 makes it his most memorable one. Gayle had gone unsold in the auction over worries he would not be available, but after he declined a West Indies central contract, Royal Challengers Bangalore brought him in as a replacement for Dirk Nannes. Within two days of his arrival, Gayle had scored a century. He got another, plus three fifties, including an 89 off 47 in the second qualifier, which put RCB in the final. He scored 608 runs in the season at a ridiculous strike rate of 183.13.
While 2012 was Gayle's most prolific season, the sheer shock of his impact in 2011 makes it his most memorable one. Gayle had gone unsold in the auction over worries he would not be available, but after he declined a West Indies central contract, Royal Challengers Bangalore brought him in as a replacement for Dirk Nannes. Within two days of his arrival, Gayle had scored a century. He got another, plus three fifties, including an 89 off 47 in the second qualifier, which put RCB in the final. He scored 608 runs in the season at a ridiculous strike rate of 183.13.
Virat Kohli, 2016
He racked up an incredible 973 runs in the season, 125 more than any other batter has scored in a single season. An inspired Kohli scored four centuries, including a heroic 113 off 50 against Kings XI Punjab when he had several stitches in his hand. His runs came at a strike rate of 152.03, and RCB made the final, where Kohli's fifty wasn't enough to seal an elusive title.
He racked up an incredible 973 runs in the season, 125 more than any other batter has scored in a single season. An inspired Kohli scored four centuries, including a heroic 113 off 50 against Kings XI Punjab when he had several stitches in his hand. His runs came at a strike rate of 152.03, and RCB made the final, where Kohli's fifty wasn't enough to seal an elusive title.
David Warner, 2016
While Warner won the orange cap in 2015, 2017 and 2019, it was his 2016 season that had the greatest impact on his team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, who won their only IPL title on the back of his 848 runs, scored at a strike rate of 151.42. Warner scored nine half-centuries in 17 innings, including a match-winning 93* off 58 in the second qualifier and 69 off 38 in the final.
While Warner won the orange cap in 2015, 2017 and 2019, it was his 2016 season that had the greatest impact on his team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, who won their only IPL title on the back of his 848 runs, scored at a strike rate of 151.42. Warner scored nine half-centuries in 17 innings, including a match-winning 93* off 58 in the second qualifier and 69 off 38 in the final.
Jos Buttler, 2022
Buttler was in sublime touch for Rajasthan Royals in 2022, scoring four centuries in his 863 runs, the second most ever in a season. He was often the lone hand for his team - his tons against Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders came in innings where no one else crossed 40. In the second qualifier, he took apart the RCB bowling attack to put Royals in only their second ever final.
Buttler was in sublime touch for Rajasthan Royals in 2022, scoring four centuries in his 863 runs, the second most ever in a season. He was often the lone hand for his team - his tons against Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders came in innings where no one else crossed 40. In the second qualifier, he took apart the RCB bowling attack to put Royals in only their second ever final.
Best Bowler in the IPL
From the four nominees, you need to vote for one in the poll below.
Rashid Khan
No bowler who has played 50 or more games has a better economy rate than his 6.37. His 112 wickets is second only to Jasprit Bumrah since 2017. While Rashid sometimes seemed to be carrying Sunrisers Hyderabad - he was outstanding in their run to the final in 2018, winning player of the match in the second qualifier - a change of team brought him his first IPL title, with Gujarat Titans.
No bowler who has played 50 or more games has a better economy rate than his 6.37. His 112 wickets is second only to Jasprit Bumrah since 2017. While Rashid sometimes seemed to be carrying Sunrisers Hyderabad - he was outstanding in their run to the final in 2018, winning player of the match in the second qualifier - a change of team brought him his first IPL title, with Gujarat Titans.
Jasprit Bumrah
He made his debut in 2013 and quickly became an integral part of serial winners Mumbai Indians. Through their wins in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, he was their main strike bowler and also their run stopper in the death. His death economy rate of 8.59 is third best among pacers (min 50 inns bowled), and he is one among only two bowlers to have bowled more than 1000 balls in the death in the IPL.
He made his debut in 2013 and quickly became an integral part of serial winners Mumbai Indians. Through their wins in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, he was their main strike bowler and also their run stopper in the death. His death economy rate of 8.59 is third best among pacers (min 50 inns bowled), and he is one among only two bowlers to have bowled more than 1000 balls in the death in the IPL.
Sunil Narine
A miserly bowler, Narine has an economy rate of 6.63, second best in IPL history (min 50 inns bowled), remarkable considering he has often bowled in the powerplay. Kolkata Knight Riders bought him in 2012 and haven't let go since. He helped them win titles in 2012, when he was most valuable player, and 2014.
A miserly bowler, Narine has an economy rate of 6.63, second best in IPL history (min 50 inns bowled), remarkable considering he has often bowled in the powerplay. Kolkata Knight Riders bought him in 2012 and haven't let go since. He helped them win titles in 2012, when he was most valuable player, and 2014.
Yuzvendra Chahal
The third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, Yuzvendra Chahal was Royal Challengers Bangalore's best bowler from 2014 to 2021. A switch to Rajasthan Royals in 2022 saw him in a new role, bowling in the death, and it brought his first IPL purple cap, his 27 wickets the best season tally of his career.
The third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, Yuzvendra Chahal was Royal Challengers Bangalore's best bowler from 2014 to 2021. A switch to Rajasthan Royals in 2022 saw him in a new role, bowling in the death, and it brought his first IPL purple cap, his 27 wickets the best season tally of his career.
Best Overall Impact in the IPL
From the four nominees, you need to vote for one in the poll below.
Sunil Narine
Narine's economy rate of 6.63, second best in IPL history (min 50 inns bowled), is enough to make him one of the IPL's most valuable players, but add in his numbers as opener for Kolkata Knight Riders and he is a candidate for the most valuable player. He began opening for KKR in 2017 and over the next three seasons struck at 175+ while scoring three fifties. He is one of three players to win the most valuable player award twice, in 2012 and 2018.
Narine's economy rate of 6.63, second best in IPL history (min 50 inns bowled), is enough to make him one of the IPL's most valuable players, but add in his numbers as opener for Kolkata Knight Riders and he is a candidate for the most valuable player. He began opening for KKR in 2017 and over the next three seasons struck at 175+ while scoring three fifties. He is one of three players to win the most valuable player award twice, in 2012 and 2018.
Andre Russell
While he made his IPL debut for Delhi Daredevils in 2012, it was once Russell joined KKR in 2014 that he began to build his reputation as one of the most explosive batters in the league. In 2015, he was the most valuable player, striking at 190+ and taking 14 wickets, and he won the award again in 2019, when he scored 510 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 204.81 and also took 11 wickets. Even when he isn't firing with the bat, Russell contributes with his middle and death-overs bowling, as was the case in 2022, when he was KKR's top wicket-taker, with 17 wickets.
While he made his IPL debut for Delhi Daredevils in 2012, it was once Russell joined KKR in 2014 that he began to build his reputation as one of the most explosive batters in the league. In 2015, he was the most valuable player, striking at 190+ and taking 14 wickets, and he won the award again in 2019, when he scored 510 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 204.81 and also took 11 wickets. Even when he isn't firing with the bat, Russell contributes with his middle and death-overs bowling, as was the case in 2022, when he was KKR's top wicket-taker, with 17 wickets.
Shane Watson
He too, along with Narine and Russell, has won two MVPs, in 2008 and 2013. Watson's span of excellence in the IPL is remarkable. In the very first season, he was crucial to Rajasthan Royals' victory, scoring 472 runs and taking 17 wickets. A full decade later, he won his second IPL title, with Chennai Super Kings, scoring a brilliant century in the final. In between, he remained consistent, winning the MVP again in 2013 for his 543 runs and 13 wickets.
He too, along with Narine and Russell, has won two MVPs, in 2008 and 2013. Watson's span of excellence in the IPL is remarkable. In the very first season, he was crucial to Rajasthan Royals' victory, scoring 472 runs and taking 17 wickets. A full decade later, he won his second IPL title, with Chennai Super Kings, scoring a brilliant century in the final. In between, he remained consistent, winning the MVP again in 2013 for his 543 runs and 13 wickets.
Rashid Khan
He has the best economy rate in the IPL (min 50 inns bowled) and the second-most wickets since 2017, and his batting has improved every season. In Gujarat Titans' run to the title in 2022, he played two crucial innings in chases and struck at 200+ in the season.
He has the best economy rate in the IPL (min 50 inns bowled) and the second-most wickets since 2017, and his batting has improved every season. In Gujarat Titans' run to the title in 2022, he played two crucial innings in chases and struck at 200+ in the season.
Best Batter in the IPL
From the four nominees, you need to vote for one in the poll below.
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers earned his reputation as Mr 360 in the RCB middle order. On varied pitches and against different bowling attacks, he made jaw drops with his incredible shots. All this while often coming up with match-winning contributions.
AB de Villiers earned his reputation as Mr 360 in the RCB middle order. On varied pitches and against different bowling attacks, he made jaw drops with his incredible shots. All this while often coming up with match-winning contributions.
Chris Gayle
Brought in as a replacement by RCB in 2011, Gayle lit up the league, winning the Orange Cap in 2012 and 2013, as well as playing some of the most iconic innings in the IPL, including the highest ever individual score of 175* in 2013.
Brought in as a replacement by RCB in 2011, Gayle lit up the league, winning the Orange Cap in 2012 and 2013, as well as playing some of the most iconic innings in the IPL, including the highest ever individual score of 175* in 2013.
David Warner
A T20 batter like no other, David Warner has combined his run-scoring ability with aggression to become the fifth highest run-getter in the history of the IPL. He led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the title in 2016 - a season where he scored 848 runs - and is a three-time Orange Cap winner.
A T20 batter like no other, David Warner has combined his run-scoring ability with aggression to become the fifth highest run-getter in the history of the IPL. He led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the title in 2016 - a season where he scored 848 runs - and is a three-time Orange Cap winner.
Suresh Raina
Raina, a steady presence at No. 3 for Chennai Super Kings, was their Mr Consistent - his season tally never dipped below 350 for 12 straight editions. A four-time IPL winner, he played a key pivotal role in three of CSK's four title-winning campaigns.
Raina, a steady presence at No. 3 for Chennai Super Kings, was their Mr Consistent - his season tally never dipped below 350 for 12 straight editions. A four-time IPL winner, he played a key pivotal role in three of CSK's four title-winning campaigns.
Best Captain in the IPL
From the four nominees, you need to vote for one in the poll below.
Gautam Gambhir
After three middling seasons, Kolkata Knight Riders paid USD 2.4 million to buy the services of Gambhir in 2011. Over the next seven years, he turned them into one of the most consistent teams in the IPL, leading them to titles in 2012 and 2014.
After three middling seasons, Kolkata Knight Riders paid USD 2.4 million to buy the services of Gambhir in 2011. Over the next seven years, he turned them into one of the most consistent teams in the IPL, leading them to titles in 2012 and 2014.
MS Dhoni
After being bought at the first auction in 2008, Dhoni has built a lasting legacy at Chennai Super Kings, winning four titles with them and leading them into the playoffs for an unmatched 11 out of 13 seasons. "Thala" is also a hit with CSK's adoring fans.
After being bought at the first auction in 2008, Dhoni has built a lasting legacy at Chennai Super Kings, winning four titles with them and leading them into the playoffs for an unmatched 11 out of 13 seasons. "Thala" is also a hit with CSK's adoring fans.
Rohit Sharma
Since his appointment as Mumbai Indians captain midway through the 2013 season, Rohit has led them to a record five IPL titles. His player-management skills and ability to use data to his advantage have made him a highly-regarded captain.
Since his appointment as Mumbai Indians captain midway through the 2013 season, Rohit has led them to a record five IPL titles. His player-management skills and ability to use data to his advantage have made him a highly-regarded captain.
Shane Warne
Despite never getting a long run as Australia captain, Warne proved his leadership acumen when he helped turn Rajasthan Royals from the least-fancied team to IPL champions, all in the inaugural edition of the competition, in 2008.
Despite never getting a long run as Australia captain, Warne proved his leadership acumen when he helped turn Rajasthan Royals from the least-fancied team to IPL champions, all in the inaugural edition of the competition, in 2008.