Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the Indian Premier League (IPL) every year. The tournament is the perfect platform for players worldwide to showcase their skills in the shortest format. Each season has witnessed some exhilarating action and stellar performances from different players. 

One of the most debated subjects among fanatics is, “Who is the new god of cricket in IPL?” Several players have earned this revered identity with their performances in the cash-rich league over the years. 

Some of the cricketers are even considered among the IPL batting legends. Moreover, a few of the greatest IPL players have managed to reclaim their place in the national side with scintillating performances in this T20 extravaganza.

Let’s explore the top ten contenders for the title of God of IPL cricket who have earned the top identity through their tremendous show in the history of the tournament.

Top Ten God of Cricket in IPL for Cricket Lovers

Below is a list of some of the top players who are in contention for the title of God of Cricket in IPL. The list boasts some legendary Indian players and a few overseas stars who have graced the league.

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is the best IPL cricketer of all time thanks to his stunning show in each season he played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He has played all the matches of his career for a single franchise and amassed 8004 runs at an average of 38.66 at a strike rate of 131.97, covering eight centuries and 55 fifties. His consistency, leadership and ability to perform under extreme pressure make him a robust contender for this identity that celebrates the best cricketer.

2. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is another IPL cricket superstar with immense ability to lead the team. He has won a staggering five titles as captain of Mumbai Indians, and even though he is not the ship’s leader now, the cricketer is still considered among IPL batting legends, much to the delight of his fans. He has played 257 matches so far and has scored 6628 runs at an average of 29.72 and a strike rate of 131.14.

3. Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler’s explosive batting and match-winning knocks have been in the spotlight ever since he started playing in the cash-rich T20 league. His ability to turn the game around handily makes him a favourite among enthusiasts. After making his tournament debut in 2016, Buttler has played 107 matches, collecting 3582 runs at an average of 38.10, scoring seven centuries and 19 half-centuries so far. He has scored all these runs at a strike rate of 147.52, and this is why he is one of the top contenders to become the best player ever in the tournament.

4. KL Rahul

KL Rahul’s elegant batting and consistency have been crucial for his team’s success over the years in the IPL. Even though there has been doubt over his slow start, his ability to up the ante at the right time makes him a special player. In its true sense, Rahul is the IPL cricket superstar. He has featured in 132 matches for four teams so far, smashing 4683 runs at a strike rate of 134.6 with 41 fifty-plus scores so far, among which four are centuries.

5. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill’s rise over the last few years in the IPL has been remarkable. His technique, temperament and ability to click in crunch moments have earned him accolades as well. Moreover, he is now the captain of Gujarat Titans, which proves his leadership acumen is also great. After playing for the first time in 2018, Gill has fast climbed the ladder to be amongst the IPL batting legends. His 3216 runs have come in just 100 innings in the tournament and at a strike rate of 135.69.

6. Rashid Khan

Afghanistan superstar Rashid Khan hasn’t taken much time to be the contender of this best award. With his mystery spin bowling, he has trumped batsmen at will, picking up 149 wickets so far in 121 matches. He is playing for Gujarat Titans and has done well for the team in the last few years. Rashid’s bat skills are also well known to the fans, which makes him an all-round package in the competition.

7. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Even though he had a tough start to his career, Ruturaj Gaikwad has quickly gained the status of best IPL cricketer of all time. Ever since making his debut in 2020, the opening batsman has changed the fortunes of Chennai Super Kings, who have already won the glittering trophy twice, in 2021 and 2023. Ruturaj has so far scored 2380 runs in just 66 matches at an average of almost 42. He has the ability to mould his innings according to the situation, and that makes him a special player.

8. David Warner

Playing from the 2009 edition of the IPL, David Warner is certainly considered among the greatest IPL players. He has been featured in 184 matches so far, and his aggressive batting and leadership have been pivotal for his teams in his career. 

His abiltiy to take on high-quality bowlers makes him the top contender to be the best in the competition. For the unversed, he has amassed 6565 runs at an average of 40.52 and has a strike rate of 139.77 with four centuries and 62 fifties to his name.

9. Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine is another top contender for the best cricketer ever in IPL. He is the best all-round package to have in any team in the cash-rich T20 tournament, having played 177 matches for a single team – Kolkata Knight Riders. He has not only picked 180 wickets but has also scored 1534 runs at a stunning strike rate of 166 with seven fifties and a century to his name. Narine’s ability to keep top batters on tenterhooks with his mystery spin makes him the IPL cricket superstar.

10. Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav’s revolutionary batting and potential to play 360-degree shots have made him a fan favourite. His consistency and ability to turn the match on its head have been vital to his team’s achievement in his presence. Surya has played a staggering 150 matches in the T20 extravaganza so far, amassing 3594 runs at an enterprising strike rate of 145.32 with 24 fifties and two centuries. In the coming years, he definitely has the ability to be the top contender for the god of cricket in the IPL title.

Who Is the New God of Cricket in IPL?

These players and many more have showcased immense skills and talent over the years. However, it is an entirely personal opinion when picking the best IPL cricketer ever. By his exceptional numbers and ability to lead and thrive in crunch and pressure moments, Virat Kohli is the best contender for the revered identity. 

The Evolution of the God of IPL and Its Impact on Cricket

The term “god of cricket” has evolved over the years. It represents the pinnacle of cricketing excellence in the tournament. This title highlights individual brilliance and the impact these players have had on the game. 

Ever since its inception, very few players have been able to feature in the competition right from the first edition. A few of them are still playing, while some have managed to make their name after making it to the cash-rich league around a decade ago.

The Early Years: Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, frequently referred to as the “God of Cricket,” became one of the earliest stars of the tournament. His ability to enthral fans with his batting and sportsmanship set an excessive trend for future players. Like he did at the international level in Tests and ODIs, Sachin embraced the T20 format as well and made a similar impact for his team, Mumbai Indians.

The man was certainly the superstar in IPL as well, much to the delight of the Indian fans. He played 78 matches and scored 2334 runs at an impeccable average of 34.83 with a century and 13 fifties to his name. He was the captain of the Mumbai Indians in the first few seasons as well and finished his career with the title in 2013.

The Rise of MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni’s finishing skills and calm demeanour made him an iconic figure in the history of the best league in the world. His capability to win matches from impossible situations earned him the title of a cricketing god. Dhoni entered the arena on the back of winning the title in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 for India when he was the captain.

He entered the IPL as the captain of Chennai Super Kings and won the title a stunning five times, with the first one coming back in 2010. MS Dhoni played 264 matches in a career so far, amassing 5243 runs at an average of 39.12 and a strike rate of 137.53. Though he doesn’t have a century to his name in the cash-rich league, Dhoni remained unbeaten a staggering 95 times, which highlights his ability to finish the games for his team.

The Kohli Era

Virat Kohli’s consistency and aggressive batting have redefined cricket excellence in the IPL. His capability to chase down big totals with ease has made him a respectable figure in the cricketing world. The much-talked Kohli era began when he was named the captain of RCB in 2013. Even though he couldn’t win the trophy as the leader, Kohli’s ability to lead from the front stood out among everyone.

Not many have still forgotten the 2016 edition which surely made him the best contender for the god of cricket. He single-handedly took RCB to the final with four centuries and smashed 973 runs in the season, a record which is still intact in the history of the most followed league ever.

Impact on Cricket

The evolution of the “god of cricket” in IPL has shown a significant impact on this game:

1. Inspiration for Young Cricketers: These players’ performances inspire young cricketers to aim for excellence.
2. Global Appeal: The glittering league has become a global spectacle, attracting fans and players worldwide with unthinkable monetary gains as well.
3. Innovations in Cricket: The aggressive and innovative batting in the Indian T20 league has influenced cricketing strategies globally.

Comparing the Previous IPL God and the New IPL God

IPL has changed over the years, with modern-day cricket producing crazy numbers. For the same reason, the preceding and new gods of cricket in the IPL give us an exciting perspective on the sport’s evolution over the years and its effect on cricket fans as well. 

Sachin Tendulkar was the god of cricket in the competition for the first few years thanks to the stature he had already set at the international level. Virat Kohli took over the title from him with his performances in the cash-rich league and also for India consistently.

Sachin Tendulkar vs Virat Kohli

Sachin Tendulkar:

• He is known for his classical batting style and unmatched consistency.
• Set numerous records and was a crowd favourite.
• He was revered for his humility and sportsmanship.

Virat Kohli:

• He is known for his aggressive batting and fitness.
• Consistently scores big runs and chases down totals.
• He is known for his passionate and fiery demeanour.

Real-Life Success Stories

Sachin Tendulkar:

• Won his first and only IPL trophy with Mumbai Indians in 2013.
• Embraced the newest format of the game and mastered it. His will to innovate his batting, along with his performance, showcased his skills and hard work.

Virat Kohli:

• Led Royal Challengers Bangalore to playoffs on more than one occasion
• He is known for his record-breaking performances and unmatched consistency.
• Scored 973 runs in the 2016 season, single-handedly leading RCB to the final

This highlights how each player has delivered in his own style and impacted the game, which has made them revered figures amongst cricket fanatics.

This detailed article explores the evolution of the god of cricket in IPL, comparing iconic players and discussing their impact on the game. For cricket lovers, understanding this evolution provides a deeper appreciation of the game and its legends.