| TEAM | PLD | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 MI |
14 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
 CSK |
14 | 9 | 5 | 0 |
 RCB |
14 | 9 | 5 | 0 |
 DC |
14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
 PK |
14 | 6 | 8 | 0 |
| Player | Innings | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 191 | 6076 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 183 | 5577 |
| Suresh Raina | 195 | 5491 |
| Rohit Sharma | 202 | 5480 |
| David Warner | 148 | 5447 |
The increase in COVID-19 infections within the bio-bubbles of participating franchises saw the suspension of the 2021 Indian Premier League on May 4, with 31 matches yet to take place. However, the organizing committee’s efforts now see the second leg resuming in the UAE from September 19 to October 15. Nevertheless, IPL fans are already speculating the player list who could win the tournament award.
Depending on whom you ask, you will find many different players making the cut. Consequently, it may be hard to pinpoint who exactly is deserving of the honor. However, following a deeper analysis of individual performances across the 29 games, here is our IPL 2021 player list who can win the award.
Is there anything this opening batsman cannot do? Despite losing his place to K L Rahul in India’s playing eleven, his form in the IPL is exceptional. Currently, he is the leading run-scorer with 380 runs in 8 innings in the first leg of the tournament. Additionally, his strike rate of 134.27 makes him a contender to bag the award.
Furthermore, his consistent sixes and fours have seen him single-handedly help the Delhi Capitals overcome some tricky run chases. Should he maintain this run of form in the second leg, there is no doubt that he will be the tournament’s most –valuable player.
Jadeja continues to be his franchise’s most lethal player. His current statistics are 131 runs on six innings with a strike rate of 161.72. Additionally, the all-rounder has six wickets in seven matches resulting in an economy of 6.70.
However, his glory moment is the game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Not only did he out Dan Christian, but he also picked three wickets against A B de Villiers and Glen Maxwell. Furthermore, his 37 runs in 20th overs were enough to earn him a tournament record. He is one to look out for come the end of the season.
He may not have the experience levels of teammates Kagiso Rabada and Ishant Sharma. However, he steps up when the chance arises. His consistency sees him finish the first leg as the second-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in eight matches. Consequently, he is part of the Indian team that will tour England. If he gets more chances in the UAE leg, his name will be among the top contenders.
A strike rate of 145.45 from a score of 320 runs in seven innings makes Faf this season’s third-highest scorer. His crowning moment is the unbeaten 60-ball 95 against the Kolkata Knight Riders. If he can continue his form of regular half centuries, the award is undoubtedly his.
A five-wicket haul against defending champions Mumbai Indians makes Harshal the only bowler to do so in IPL history. Furthermore, his 17 wickets and an economy rate of 9.17 not only earn him the purple cap but also put him in contention for the award.
Notwithstanding it being too early to tell, the above players deservedly earn a place on this list. Only time will tell if their exemplary form carries on to the UAE.
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