The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back for its 18th season. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders are ready to protect their title, and fans can expect another season full of thrilling matches. Just like previous seasons, games will be intense, often going down to the last ball. These close finishes bring both excitement and tension, making every match unpredictable.
In a tournament like IPL, finishing strong is the key to victory. Over the years, we have seen incredible finishes where players turned the game around and led their teams to victory from hopeless situations. No matter how a match starts, a great finish boosts team confidence and keeps them in the fight. While many top batters have played in the league, not everyone can handle the pressure and finish matches on a high note.
A true finisher knows when to accelerate in the final overs and which bowlers to target. In 17 years of IPL, we have witnessed legendary finishes that made the tournament more exciting. In this article, we will look at the top 10 best finishers in IPL history who have mastered the art of closing games. Players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, AB de Villiers, Kieron Pollard, and Virat Kohli have shown their finishing skills time and again, but who stands out as the best?
Who is the Best Finisher in IPL History? 2008 – 2025
1. MS Dhoni
Former Indian captain MS Dhoni is widely known as the greatest finisher in cricket history. He takes the top spot in the list of best finishers in IPL history. Leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five titles, he has played many unforgettable knocks over the years.
One of his finest finishes came in 2010, when he smashed an unbeaten 54 runs against Kings XI Punjab in a must-win match at Dharamsala, helping CSK chase 193 runs and stay in the tournament. Another legendary knock happened in 2018, when he guided CSK to a 206-run chase against RCB at Chinnaswamy Stadium, scoring a stunning 70 off 34 balls*.
Dhoni will once again play for CSK in IPL 2024, which might be his final season. So far, he has played 250 IPL matches, scoring 5082 runs at an average of 38.79 and a strike rate of 135.92.
2. Ab de Villiers
Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers, also known as ‘Mr. 360’, is one of the best batters and finishers in IPL history. He earned this title for his unique batting style and ability to hit the ball in every direction of the field.
De Villiers holds the record for the fastest ODI century (31 balls) and has played many unforgettable innings for South Africa and his IPL teams. He made his IPL debut in 2008 and played for Delhi Daredevils before becoming a key player for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
One of his greatest IPL innings came in 2015, when he smashed an unbeaten 133 runs off just 59 balls against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. His brilliant knock helped RCB post 235 runs, leading them to a 39-run victory.
Another memorable performance was in the IPL 2016 Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Lions. With RCB struggling at 68 for 6, he played a heroic unbeaten 79 off 47 balls, guiding his team to a thrilling win and securing a spot in their third IPL final.
In his IPL career, De Villiers scored 5162 runs in 184 matches, with an average of 39.71 and a strike rate of 151.69. He also hit 49 half-centuries and three centuries, making him one of the greatest match-winners in IPL history.
3. Kieron Pollard
Former West Indies cricketer Kieron Pollard was one of the most powerful hitters in IPL history. He had the ability to change the game single-handedly with his explosive batting.
Pollard made his IPL debut in 2010 for Mumbai Indians (MI) and remained a key player for the team over the years. He usually batted in the lower order, stepping in during the death overs to hit big shots and finish games.
Kieron Pollard best IPL performance came in 2021, when he smashed an unbeaten 87 runs off 34 balls against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Delhi. His brilliant knock helped MI chase 219 runs, making it the second-highest successful chase in IPL history.
In his IPL career, Pollard played 189 matches, scoring 3412 runs at an average of 28.67 and a strike rate of 147.32. He announced his retirement in 2022 and now serves as Mumbai Indians’ batting coach.
4. Andre Russell
Andre Russell, the West Indian powerhouse, is a player who can change a game in just a few overs with his explosive hitting. On his best days, he can send every ball into the stands, making him one of the best finishers in IPL history.
Russell made his IPL debut in 2012 for Delhi Daredevils before joining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2014. Over the years, he has played many unforgettable knocks, rescuing KKR from tough situations with his incredible power-hitting.
Andre Russell highest IPL score came in 2018, when he smashed 88 runs against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai. In his IPL career, Russell has played 112 matches, scoring 2262 runs at an average of 29.00 and an impressive strike rate of 174.00.
5. Glenn Maxwell
Australian batter Glenn Maxwell is one of the best power hitters and finishers in the world. He has the ability to change the course of a match with his aggressive batting and lead his team to victory from difficult situations. His 201-run knock against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup is a perfect example of his match-winning ability.
Though Maxwell has not been a consistent performer in the IPL, he has delivered strong performances in the last few seasons. He made his IPL debut in 2012 and has played for Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
His best IPL season came in 2014, when he scored 514 runs and played a key role in helping Punjab reach their first-ever IPL final. In his IPL career, Maxwell has played 124 matches, scoring 2719 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 157.62.
6. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya, the star Indian all-rounder, is a key middle-order batter known for his explosive hitting in the death overs. He has the ability to rescue his team from tough situations and turn matches in their favor with his powerful batting.
Pandya made his IPL debut in 2015 and has played for Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT). He has won the IPL title five times, contributing to both teams’ success. Over the years, he has played several match-winning knocks, proving his worth for both his franchises and the Indian team.
His best IPL performance came in 2019 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. While chasing 233 runs, he smashed a quick 91 off 34 balls, keeping MI in the game even when other batters struggled. However, despite his efforts, MI fell 34 runs short.
After playing six seasons with MI, Pandya moved to Gujarat Titans as captain in 2022 and led them to victory in their debut season. Ahead of IPL 2024, he has been traded back to MI and will now lead the team, replacing Rohit Sharma.
In his IPL career, Pandya has played 123 matches, scoring 2309 runs at an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 145.86, with 10 half-centuries to his name.
7. David Miller
David Miller is one of the top finishers in the world and has proven his skills in the IPL as well. The South African batter has been part of the cash-rich league since 2011 and has played for Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Gujarat Titans (GT).
Miller has delivered several match-winning knocks while batting at number four and five, helping his team cross the finish line in tough situations. His best IPL innings came in 2013, when he smashed 101 runs off just 38 balls for Punjab Kings while chasing 191 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Mohali. PBKS were struggling at 51 for 3, but Miller’s explosive innings, which included eight fours and seven sixes, led them to a memorable win.
In his IPL career, Miller has played 121 matches, scoring 2714 runs at an average of 36.19 and a strike rate of 138.4. He has also hit 12 half-centuries and one century. Fans will see him back in action for Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2024.
8. Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant, the Delhi Capitals (DC) captain and wicketkeeper-batter, is also among the best finishers in IPL history. He has been a key player for DC and took over the captaincy in IPL 2021. Over the years, he has played several match-winning innings, helping DC secure important victories.
His best IPL knock came in 2018, when he smashed 128 runs off just 63 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Despite his brilliant performance, SRH successfully chased 188 runs in 18.5 overs, losing only one wicket.
In his IPL career, Pant has played 98 matches, scoring 2838 runs at an average of 34.61 and a strike rate of 147.97. He has also hit 15 half-centuries and one century.
Pant missed the entire IPL 2023 season due to a serious car accident in December 2022. However, he has made a fast recovery and is expected to return for DC in IPL 2024.
9. Chris Morris
Chris Morris, the South African all-rounder, is also among the greatest finishers in IPL history. A fast bowler and lower-order batter, he had the ability to score quick runs and change the game in the final overs.
Morris played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Rajasthan Royals (RR). He delivered several memorable performances, proving to be a valuable asset for his teams.
His best IPL innings came in 2016, while playing for DC against Gujarat Lions. He smashed an unbeaten 82 runs off just 32 balls, hitting four fours and eight sixes, bringing DC close to Gujarat’s total of 172 runs. However, DC fell just one run short of victory.
In his IPL career, Morris played 81 matches, scoring 2295 runs at an average of 22.07 and a strike rate of 155.28, with two half-centuries. His ability to hit big sixes and score quickly in the death overs made him one of the best finishers in IPL history.
10. Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter, has emerged as one of the best finishers in IPL in recent years. Playing for KKR, he has delivered several match-winning performances, rescuing his team from tough situations.
One of his most iconic moments came in IPL 2023, when he smashed five consecutive sixes off Gujarat Titans’ Yash Dayal in the final over in Ahmedabad. This unbelievable knock led KKR to one of the most thrilling victories in IPL history.
Since then, Rinku Singh has been a consistent performer, finishing as KKR’s top scorer in IPL 2023. His impressive form earned him a place in the Indian squad for the Asian Games and the T20I series against Ireland in 2023.
In his IPL career, Rinku has played 31 matches, scoring 725 runs at an average of 36.25 and a strike rate of 142.16, with four half-centuries. At just 25 years old, he is on his way to becoming one of the top finishers in IPL and for the Indian team in the coming years.
