Ranking Top 10 Asian Cricketers currently in IPL

Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been serving as a great platform for players to showcase their talents. The biggest and richest cricket league in the world is now going to enter its 17th edition and there is no shortage of excitement and enthusiasm among fans. For the past two months, they are going to be treated to some exciting cricket action from their favourite teams and players. 

Although players from all over the world participate, the tournament is dominated by Asians. Apart from Pakistan, which played only the inaugural edition, four other major Asian countries - India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan - are still part of the cash-rich league. Having said that, let’s take a look at the top 10 Asian cricketers currently in the IPL.

1. Virat Kohli 

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) icon Virat Kohli is the only player in IPL history to have played for just one franchise. Although the team never managed to win the prestigious title, they have one of the largest and most loyal fan bases in the league, in which Kohli plays an important role. The former RCB captain holds several records in the league, the best of which is the most runs in history. 

2. MS Dhoni

IPL 2024 is believed to be the last dance of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) talisman MS Dhoni. The charismatic leader made the Chennai-based franchise the most successful franchise in IPL history, leading them to a record five titles. We may not have seen those towering sixes from the 42-year-old's bat for a few years, but his captaincy heroics were on the money as it single-handedly won several matches for the team. 

3. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah was able to rise to prominence with his remarkable excellence with Mumbai Indians (MI). The 30-year-old is currently one of the best pacers in the world. Bumrah played a key role in turning the five-time champions into one of the most successful franchises. The holder of 145 IPL wickets will lead MI's bowling attack for yet another season. His accuracy in line and length and his ability to maintain composure in crunch moments make him stand out.

4. Rohit Sharma 

Rohit Sharma is currently one of the biggest superstars in Indian cricket. While we might not be able to see Rohit's name associated with many batting records in the IPL, his captaincy prowess is unrivalled. Having led Mumbai Indians to glory for a record five times, the 36-year-old is one of the most successful captains in the history of the tournament. Although Rohit is no longer at the reins, his contributions in the past will make him the face of the blockbuster franchise.

5. Shubman Gill

The prince of Indian cricket, the next Virat Kohli, the rising sensation of Indian cricket – Shubman Gill has got many monikers. The 24-year-old has proved his mettle in all formats of the game and unleashed his beast mode in the last IPL season. With 890 runs in 17 matches for Gujarat Titans (GT), Gill became the second-highest run scorer in a single IPL season. He is entrusted with the captaincy of the Ahmedabad-based franchise in IPL 2024 and is expected to set the stage on fire with a brilliant outing. 

6. Hardik Pandya 

Hardik Pandya is all set for a blockbuster return to his former franchise Mumbai Indians in the upcoming edition. The star all-rounder has been in the news right from the massive transfer deal from the Gujarat Titans (GT). Despite leading the Ahmedabad-based franchise to glory in the 2022 season and last year's final, Pandya decided to switch to MI. He took over the baton of leadership from Rohit Sharma, a move that was not well received by the cricket fraternity.

7. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan, the spin wizard of Afghanistan, is one of the best white-ball spinners in the world. The 25-year-old's ability to pick up crucial wickets and contribute in the batting department in the lower order makes him a boon to any team. It's a treat to watch the right-arm spinner's intimidating leg-spin balls troubling world-class batters in the IPL. Rashid's all-round prowess has played a crucial role in Gujarat Titans' success in the last two seasons.

8. Suryakumar Yadav

The Mumbai Indians middle-order batter may not be effective in the other two formats, but he is currently the best T20 batters in the world. Known for his 360° shots, Suryakumar Yadav has managed to fill AB de Villiers' void in the tournament to some extent. His explosive, unorthodox shots and ability to lift the team at crucial moments make him a player to watch out for. 

9. Rishabh Pant

The flamboyant wicketkeeper batter of Team India is going to grab the spotlight in the upcoming IPL edition. He is all set to make his first appearance in competitive cricket since a horrific car accident in December 2022. Delhi Capitals have confirmed that Pant will feature in the line-up as their captain and pure batter. 

10. Ravindra Jadeja 

Ravindra Jadeja, one of the best fielders and all-rounder of all time, is the second biggest superstar in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad after MS Dhoni. With excellence in all three departments, Jadeja is a match-winner for the Chennai-based franchise. The southpaw has played over 200 IPL matches and has scored 2692 runs and picked up 152 wickets.