IPL XI vs PSL XI: The best of both leagues

PSL: Middle-order- Shane Watson, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed

Shane Watson was the best all-rounder in PSL

Shane Watson was written off by many after a poor outing in last year's IPL. But Watson proved his critics wrong and aced all the tournaments that he took part in, starting from BBL. In PSL, he scored 319 runs in 10 innings at an average of 35.44 and a strike-rate of 135.16 and was the fifth highest run-getter of the tournament. Watson, the best all-rounder of PSL this year, also took 11 wickets for the side.

Babar Azam was consistent throughout the tournament.

Babar Azam was one of the most consistent players in this year's PSL. He was one of the main reason for Karachi finishing second on the points table. He scored 402 runs in 11 innings at an average of 40.20. Azam scored as many as five half-centuries in the tournament, joint highest along with Luke Ronchi. Even though he scored a fighting 63 in the Eliminator 2, his side failed to chase down 171 in a rain-truncated match.

Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik has been an integral part of Pakistan's team for many years and was the key batsmen for Multan Sultans in this year's PSL. In what was a rather disappointing tournament for Multan Sultans, Malik was the most consistent batsman. In the 8 innings that he played, he scored 224 runs at an average of 37.33. His best innings of the tournament came against the Quetta Gladiators as he took his unbeaten 65 took his side form 41/3 to a total of 152 in 20 overs.

Sarfraz Ahmed, the captain of Pakistan national side, has been one of the reasons for Pakistan’s number 1 ranking in T20Is. He has not only led his side well but also has played the key role of a finisher. In this PSL, he had a good time with the bat and also behind the wickets. He scored 223 runs in 9 innings and has affected the second most dismissals in the third season of PSL.

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IPL: Middle-order - Kane Williamson, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik

Rajasthan Royals v Sunrisers Hyderabad - IPL T20

Kane Williamson was considered, by many, as a player unfit for the shortest format. He gave a fitting reply to all those people in this year's IPL. Williamson was the leading run-getter of the tournament as he amassed 735 runs in 17 innings at a strike rate of 142.22. He also scored 8 half-centuries, the most by any batsman in this season.

Pant won the emerging player of the year award

The stylish yet unorthodox southpaw had a phenomenal IPL season. Even though his team were at the bottom of the points table, Rishabh Pant was the leading run scorer in the league stages with 684 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 173.60 and an average of 52.61. In addition to five fifties in the league stage, he also scored an unbeaten 128* off just 63 balls against Sunrisers who had the best bowling lineup in the tournament.

MS Dhoni led his side to their third title

MS Dhoni's return to Chennai Super Kings and him leading the team to their third title was a gift to the fans who were waiting for the return of their favourite franchise. Dhoni was exceptional in marshalling his troops all throughout the tournament. Even with the bat, he had a great tournament as he scored 455 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 150.66. Dhoni remained not out on 9 occasions and had the best average, 75.83, this season.

Dinesh Karthik had a great captaincy debut

Dinesh Karthik did a great job leading a side with limited resources. He used the players available at his disposal very efficiently and successfully led them to a third position in the tournament. Karthik played a major role in KKR's success. He was unbeaten in five of the six successful chases by KKR this season. In total, he made 498 runs in 16 innings at an average of 49.80 and a strike rate of 147.77.