The ability to finish games under pressure is one of the most valuable skills in T20 cricket. Over the years, several players have established themselves as the best finishers in the IPL, known for their calmness, ability to hit big sixes, and turning games around in the final overs. Here’s a list of the Top 10 Best Finishers in IPL History (Till 2025):
1. MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)
- Career Span: 2008–2023
- Matches Played: 204
- Batting Average: 40.99
- Strike Rate: 138.24
- Top Score: 84*
- Key Strength: The ‘Captain Cool’ of IPL, MS Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the best finishers in cricket. His calm approach, coupled with a knack for hitting crucial sixes and boundaries, has helped CSK win multiple IPL titles. He is known for finishing matches in the death overs with precision.
2. Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians)
- Career Span: 2010–2022
- Matches Played: 189
- Batting Average: 29.54
- Strike Rate: 147.32
- Top Score: 87*
- Key Strength: Pollard is known for his explosive hitting, particularly in the final overs. He has been a match-winner for MI with his powerful batting and ability to accelerate the scoring rate when the team needs it the most.
3. Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings)
- Career Span: 2008–2022
- Matches Played: 164
- Batting Average: 25.88
- Strike Rate: 130.52
- Top Score: 68*
- Key Strength: Bravo has been one of the most reliable finishers for CSK. His ability to hit big shots under pressure and finish games makes him one of the IPL’s best finishers. His experience in death over batting has been key to CSK’s success.
4. Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians / Gujarat Titans)
- Career Span: 2015–Present
- Matches Played: 92 (as of 2025)
- Batting Average: 31.53
- Strike Rate: 142.50
- Top Score: 91*
- Key Strength: Hardik Pandya is known for his powerful hitting, especially in the death overs. He is capable of changing the game in the last few overs with his six-hitting ability. His all-round capabilities make him an invaluable finisher.
5. AB de Villiers (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
- Career Span: 2011–2021
- Matches Played: 184
- Batting Average: 40.40
- Strike Rate: 158.74
- Top Score: 133*
- Key Strength: AB de Villiers, known as “Mr. 360,” was exceptional in finishing games with his innovative strokes and ability to adapt to various match situations. His consistency in finishing games for RCB makes him one of the best finishers.
6. Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals)
- Career Span: 2016–Present
- Matches Played: 84 (as of 2025)
- Batting Average: 35.65
- Strike Rate: 151.59
- Top Score: 78*
- Key Strength: Pant has the ability to finish games with his aggressive batting. He has often come to the rescue of Delhi Capitals in tight situations and has consistently played match-winning knocks in the final overs.
7. David Miller (Rajasthan Royals)
- Career Span: 2012–Present
- Matches Played: 91 (as of 2025)
- Batting Average: 35.67
- Strike Rate: 141.77
- Top Score: 101*
- Key Strength: David Miller has been a match-winner in the IPL, particularly in tight situations where he takes on the bowlers in the death overs. His ability to clear the ropes effortlessly makes him one of the best finishers in IPL history.
8. Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings)
- Career Span: 2008–Present
- Matches Played: 216 (as of 2025)
- Batting Average: 28.24
- Strike Rate: 128.81
- Top Score: 62*
- Key Strength: Jadeja is not only a brilliant fielder and bowler but also a dangerous finisher. His ability to rotate the strike, find gaps, and finish matches with aggressive batting makes him a key asset for CSK.
9. Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
- Career Span: 2012–Present
- Matches Played: 95 (as of 2025)
- Batting Average: 29.97
- Strike Rate: 185.00
- Top Score: 88*
- Key Strength: Andre Russell is known for his aggressive hitting and his ability to take the game away from the opposition in the final overs. His explosive batting and power-hitting make him one of the top finishers in the IPL.
10. Shane Watson (Chennai Super Kings)
- Career Span: 2008–2020
- Matches Played: 145
- Batting Average: 33.74
- Strike Rate: 139.53
- Top Score: 117*
- Key Strength: Shane Watson played crucial finishing roles for CSK, with his calmness under pressure and ability to clear the boundary. His all-round skills and ability to perform in crunch situations make him one of the best finishers in IPL history.
Summary
These players have consistently demonstrated their ability to finish matches with power, poise, and precision. They are known for their match-winning contributions in the final stages of the game and have etched their names in IPL history as the top finishers. Their presence in the middle order often reassures fans and their teams that no game is ever truly lost until the final ball is bowled.