5 unsung heroes from IPL 2016

Kulkarni's ability to swing the ball has helped him pick up important wickets for his side

#1 – Dhawal Kulkarni

Not many people gave Gujarat Lions a chance at the start of the IPL. However, the Suresh Raina-led side were one of the most impressive sides throughout the tournament after some good batting performances by the batsmen and the bowlers.

With Dwayne Bravo, one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, not living up to his billing during this edition of the IPL, the onus was on other bowlers to step up and perform. Dhawal Kulkarni was easily the best bowler in the Lions’ setup as he picked up 18 wickets in 14 matches at an impressive average of 20.22 and an economy rate of 7.42.

Kulkarni's best IPL career bowling figures of 4/14 in the Qualifier 1 against RCB gave his side a massive opportunity to take one step closer to the final, only to be halted by a special knock by AB de Villiers. Kulkarni also bowled the most number of maiden overs bowled in a single season of the IPL as he did it four times this season.