7 surprise performers of IPL 2015

The 8th edition of the Indian Premiere League came to an end with the Mumbai Indians triumphing over the Chennai Super Kings in the final at the Eden Gardens. The tournament sprung up various surprises during the course of 46 action-packed days, and there was plenty of excitement to get the adrenaline levels soaring.

While the likes of David Warner, Darren Bravo, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Rohit Sharma and Shane Watson were always expected to perform, there were a few dark horses who pulled out astonishing performances in the most unanticipated manner. We take a look at the 7 surprise performers of IPL 8:

1. Ashish Nehra

Chennai Super Kings’ Ashish Nehra

The Indian pacer recorded the best bowling figures of 4-0-10-4 in the tournament with a splendid show against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. An inspired performance from Nehra saw the Chennai Super Kings snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against the Bangalore side.

He ended up 4th on the list of Purple Cap holders, with 22 wickets in 16 games at an average of 20.40. After having a look at the Chennai bowling attack that boasts of Team India regulars Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohit Sharma, very few would have expected much from Nehra. But the experience of the pacer shone, as he stood out of the pack, surprising one and all.

2. Andre Russell

The Most Valuable Player of IPL 8, Andre Russell came up with stellar performances throughout the tournament. It was probably the absence of Sunil Narine that made his West Indian counterpart’s selection in the KKR team a given in the initial matches of IPL.

His hurricane 66 off 36 against the Kings XI Punjab is a knock worth remembering for a while. The all-rounder played some breezy knocks down the order and achieved them at a blistering pace, winning quite a few matches for KKR in the process. Russel finished the season with 326 runs and 14 wickets from 13 matches and proved to be extremely handy for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

3. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer was one of the top contenders for the Emerging Player of the Season award, with spectacular batting efforts throughout. The young Indian uncapped player stood out amidst an otherwise hapless Delhi Daredevils side, amassing 439 runs in 14 league matches.

He made his mark with an effortless knock of 83 off 56 against the Mumbai Indians and ended the season as Delhi’s highest run-getter. The youngster amazed everyone with his excellent technique and brilliant strokeplay.

4. Moises Henriques

Sunrisers Hyderabad teammates congratulate Moises Henriques

With an overseas line-up comprising the explosive David Warner, the fiery Dale Steyn, the dependable Kane Williamson and the quick Trent Boult, one would not have expected Moises Henriques to inflict much damage.

But he delivered, with the bat and the ball, to set up the stage for the Sunrisers in many matches. He scored 287 runs in 9 innings, and ended up with 11 wickets, second to only Bhuvneshvar Kumar from the team.

5. Harshal Patel

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Harshal Patel

The RCB squad has always been notorious for its bowling line-up being below par, especially when compared to its batting prowess. But this time, the Bangalore bowlers did well, and Harshal Patel turned out to be a revelation – Yuzvendra Chahal had done well last season too, and Mitchell Starc is a seasoned warhorse.

Patel’s medium pace bagged 17 wickets at an amazing strike rate of 15.47, silently making him a regular presence in a team full of superstars. He bowled economical spells more often than not, and got crucial wickets at the right time.

6. Lendl Simmons

Roped in as a replacement for the injured Aaron Finch, Simmons took the Mumbai Indians all the way, and established himself as the batting mainstay. His knocks at the top, coupled with the opening partnerships he built, spearheaded the side all the way to the final.

Breaking the shackles of stereotypes, Lendl Simmons surprised as he stood out, despite not having been previously thought to be a game-changer in this format. He finished as the joint second highest run-getter with a massive 540 runs in the tournaments, and the Mumbai Indians owe much of their success in their quest for the trophy to him.

7. Chris Morris

Rajasthan Royals’ South African pacer Chris Morris

With figures of 4-23 and 3-19, Morris was at the top of the pack of the Rajasthan bowlers. He bowled with discipline and aggression alike, and was often responsible for the Royals getting off to a good start with the ball throughout the tournament.

The scorecard may not reveal how useful he has been to his side throughout the tournament. He was handy with the bat too, and an overall surprise package for the Rajasthan Royals this season.