IPL 2022: 5 batters with highest strike rate in IPL
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has historically been an arena for the world's best players to showcase their prowess. A tournament that richly benefits players for maintaining a high strike rate and hitting sixes, the IPL has seen some memorable innings in T20 history.
Strike rate is not the only key metric to determine a batter's prowess. However, it offers insight into the expected damage a batter can inflict. On that note, here's a look at the five batters with the highest strike rate in IPL history.
#5 Chris Morris - 155.27
Well known as the most expensive purchase in IPL history, (INR 16.25 crore in the IPL 2021 auction), South African all-rounder Chris Morris has often blown hot and cold in the competition.
The hard-hitting batter holds the record of the highest innings strike rate (min. 9 deliveries), set during his explosive innings of 38 off 9 deliveries in 2017. While Morris has often lacked consistency, his tall frame and sheer power has often helped his team get over the line.
#4 Virender Sehwag - 155.44
Although celebrated Indian opener Virender Sehwag last played the IPL in 2015, his career strike rate of 155.44 is impressive.
Primarily a boundary-hitter at the top of the order, Sehwag plied most of his trade for the Delhi Daredevils before switching to Kings XI Punjab. Both his IPL hundreds were scored at strike rates above 200, underlining his ability to single-handedly win games for his IPL team.
#3 Sunil Narine - 161.69
When Sunil Narine entered the IPL as a mystery spinner, few knew of his ability with the bat; nor was he used as a pinch-hitter till 2017.
While his bowling declined marginally around that time, the Trinidadian's power-hitting added a new dimension to his game. Narine went on to play some astonishing innings at the top of the order, including a blistering half-century inside the powerplay in the 2017 season.
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#2 Ben Cutting - 168.79
Fans of Sunrisers Hyderabad would remember Ben Cutting's Player of the Match effort in the 2016 IPL final.
A successful player in T20 leagues around the world, Cutting has plied his trade for three IPL teams over the years. The big-hitting Australian all-rounder hasn't played as much in the IPL as some of the other names on this list. However, he has occasionally seized the opportunity to make a massive impact.
#1 Andre Russell - 178.57
Unsurprisingly, Jamaican all-rounder Andre Russell leads the list. Starting out with Delhi Daredevils, Russell flourished after moving to Kolkata Knight Riders. The hard-hitter has won several games single-handedly from desperate situations, thanks to his ability to clear the ropes at will.