Middle Order
KL Rahul (Kings XI Punjab)
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KL Rahul was one of the few silver linings in an otherwise lacklustre campaign for the KXIP, as the team once again lost track in the second half of the league. KL Rahul, who had created ripples in the previous edition, managed to replicate his feats as he found form after having a series of low scores.
With the team being short of batsmen and having an inexperienced middle order, Rahul provided stability to the batting order at the top, with his brisk contributions. He made an attempt to bat deep on most of the occasions, with his well calculated century against the Mumbai Indians being the standout feature.
The 26-year old ended up as the second highest run scorer of the tournament, registering 593 runs from 14 innings at an average of 53.91, with 6 fifties and 1 hundred. He claimed the FBB Stylish Player Award of the Season.
Manish Pandey (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
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Manish Pandey redeemed his worth for SRH, as he found some good touch towards the business end of the tournament. Pandey was one of the few players in the middle order across franchises, who had a good season.
The 29-year old showed great character once he was promoted to the No.3 spot, as he made sincere efforts to fill in the giant boots of Warner. He scored runs at a good pace, and rotated the strike well in the middle overs. He was exceptional in the final overs of the game against Mumbai Indians, maintaining his nerve against the likes of Bumrah and Malinga to take the game into the Super Over.
MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings - Captain & Wicketkeeper)
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MS Dhoni was the only batsman who was consistent with the bat for CSK, as he made invaluable contributions post the top and middle order collapses on numerous occasions. Dhoni was back in his vintage form, giving stability in the initial phase of his innings and unleashing himself against all bowlers towards the end.
He won several matches single-handedly for the defending champions of the season, with his scintillating knock of 84* against the RCB being the highlight. MSD ended up as the highest run scorer for the side from the south, with 414 runs in 11 innings, at an average of 103.50, with 3 fifties.
Dhoni was also spot on as a captain and wicketkeeper as usual. His resource management of the spinners and Deepak Chahar was a visual delight to watch, and it was majorly due to his sharp acumen that CSK managed to make it to the final.
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