Through just one month of IPL 2025, jaw-dropping individual performances have stolen the show, impressing fans and analysts every night. Headliners from each franchise have turned in memorable performances setting records for both their averages and economies. Further, their remarkable performances have been instrumental to their teams’ successes in the tournament so far. This op-ed written by Kartikeya Singhee, originally published on the Center for Global Development blog, focuses on the top performers.
The most successful batsman has been Mumbai Indian’s Ashwani Kumar who has averaged a staggering 6.00. His two-way performance has cemented him as one of the most important players in the batting order. Sai Sudharsan of the Gujarat Titans has been a standout performer. With an average of 137—among the top front-runners for the highest run-scorer this season.
Among the bowlers, Delhi Capitals’ Mitchell Starc is at the top with a remarkable average of 5.75. His hostility, precision and effectiveness have combined to make him a rare force—a truly vital asset within the context of his team’s bowling attack. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Josh Hazlewood is right behind. He has a stellar average of 5.37, proving his ability to stop runs while taking those essential, match-winning wickets.
Lucknow Super Giants Shardul Thakur has been another big contributor, putting up 8.83 on average. His all-around steadiness has steadied his side for the entirety of the tournament. Noor Ahmad from Chennai Super Kings leads the bowling chart with a total of nine wickets. He is further cementing his claim of being the key player in the bowling unit.
Virat Kohli of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru has provided an unattainable benchmark in batting averages. He claims that amazing average of 90.00! With his depth of experience and skill, he remains a threat to overcome just about any bowling attack. Mitchell Marsh of Lucknow Super Giants is a revelation, scoring at an average of 62.00. His performance in 2023 has decisively blackened that line, placing him firmly on the list of leading batsmen.
Economy rates are important indications of how effective a bowler is, and a number of players have really stood out on this front. Picture this—Kuldeep Yadav of the Delhi Capitals with an economy of 5.25. This is indicative of his tremendous prowess for consistently stopping the opposition’s runs during a game. Mumbai Indians’ Hardik Pandya comes in third with an economy rate of 6.50, playing a vital role in helping his team’s cause.
Sadly, other statistics are not as positive. Shreyas Iyer of the Punjab Kings has the worst economy rate on the year, a staggering 230.95. This eye-popping statistic begs the question of whether he can be effective in high-stakes situations. The Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Aniket Verma has had a tough time in the middle. His average economy rate of 12 proves that when he plays, he gets bashed.
Shreyas Iyer has already hit a career-high nine sixes this season. His violent batting stance shows you how he can put the beat down on common pitching to punish when the game is on the line! Meanwhile, Tristan Stubbs from the Delhi Capitals impressed with a best average of 55.00, marking him as another player to watch in upcoming games.
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