The Indian Premier League has always rewarded cricketers who can influence a match in more than one way. While specialist batters and bowlers often dominate the spotlight, it is the all rounders who regularly decide results. Their ability to score fast runs under pressure and take important wickets at key moments gives teams the balance they need to win close games.
Over the years, the IPL has featured some truly great all rounders, starting with early stars like Jacques Kallis and Shane Watson, and moving to modern match-winners such as Andre Russell and Hardik Pandya.
This article presents the top 20 best all rounders in IPL history, selected on the basis of their performances, consistency across seasons, and overall impact on the tournament.

Top 20 Best All Rounders in IPL History
With the full list covered, it is time to focus on the players who made the biggest impact. Below is a detailed look at the top 10 all rounders in IPL history, highlighting how their performances with both bat and ball helped shape matches and define their teams’ success over the years.
10. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis added class and balance to the IPL, especially during his time with Kolkata Knight Riders. His calm and technically strong batting gave stability at the top of the order, allowing other players to play freely around him.
Along with his runs, Kallis contributed with steady medium pace bowling and remained a safe and reliable fielder. Across 96 innings, he scored 2,427 runs at an average of 28.55 and picked up 65 wickets from 290.2 overs.
His ability to maintain consistent performances over multiple seasons played a key role in his team’s overall success and highlighted his value as a complete all rounder.
| Batting | Bowling | ||||
| Inn | Runs | Avg | Overs | Wkts | Avg |
| 96 | 2427 | 28.55 | 290.2 | 65 | 35.28 |
9. Andre Russell
Andre Russell is one of the most dangerous all rounders in IPL history, known for changing matches in just a few overs. His powerful batting allows him to score quick runs under extreme pressure, while his fast bowling gives Kolkata Knight Riders a strong wicket taking option. Russell has often pulled his team out of difficult situations with match-winning performances.
In 115 innings, he has scored 2,651 runs at an average of 28.20 and taken 123 wickets from 301 overs. His ability to influence games with both bat and ball makes him one of the most impactful players the IPL has ever seen.
| Batting | Bowling | ||||
| Inn | Runs | Avg | Overs | Wkts | Avg |
| 115 | 2651 | 28.20 | 301 | 123 | 23.28 |
8. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya has established himself as one of the most premier all rounders in IPL history. His aggressive batting in the lower middle order gives teams quick runs when they matter most, while his ability to bowl at high pace adds strength to the attack.
Pandya’s importance goes beyond performances, as his leadership skills were clearly seen when he guided Gujarat Titans to the title in their very first IPL season.
In 140 innings, he has scored 2,749 runs at an average of 28.34 and taken 78 wickets from 271.2 overs, proving his consistent impact with both bat and ball.
| Batting | Bowling | ||||
| Inn | Runs | Avg | Overs | Wkts | Avg |
| 140 | 2749 | 28.34 | 271.2 | 78 | 31.95 |
7. Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh remains one of the most popular and impactful all rounders in IPL history. He represented several franchises across different seasons and consistently delivered match-winning performances.
Known for his powerful batting and effective left arm spin, Yuvraj had the ability to change games quickly. His experience and calm presence under pressure made him a valuable player in crucial moments.
In 132 IPL matches, he scored 2,750 runs at an average of 24.77 and took 36 wickets, proving his importance as a reliable all round contributor with both bat and ball.
| Batting | Bowling | ||||
| Inn | Runs | Avg | Overs | Wkts | Avg |
| 126 | 2750 | 24.77 | 144.5 | 36 | 29.92 |
6. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell is one of the most exciting all rounders to feature in the IPL, known for his fearless and explosive style of play. His ability to score runs at a rapid pace makes him a dangerous presence in the middle order, especially when the team needs quick momentum.
Along with his batting, Maxwell’s off spin bowling has often helped break important partnerships, adding extra value to his role. His sharp fielding further strengthens his impact on the game.
In 135 innings, he has scored 2,819 runs at an average of 23.89 and taken 41 wickets, making him a reliable and versatile match-winner in T20 cricket.
| Batting | Bowling | ||||
| Inn | Runs | Avg | Overs | Wkts | Avg |
| 135 | 2819 | 23.89 | 170.2 | 41 | 34.46 |
5. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja stands out as one of the most complete all rounders in IPL history. His left arm spin bowling is known for being both economical and effective, often delivering crucial wickets in tight situations.
Over the years, Jadeja has also grown into a reliable batter, capable of scoring important runs when his team needs stability or quick momentum. His sharp and athletic fielding further adds to his value, making him a key player for Chennai Super Kings.
In 174 innings, he has scored 2,717 runs at an average of 26.64 and taken 152 wickets from 595.1 overs, highlighting his consistent impact across all departments of the game.
| Batting | Bowling | ||||
| Inn | Runs | Avg | Overs | Wkts | Avg |
| 174 | 2717 | 26.64 | 595.1 | 152 | 29.71 |
4. Yusuf Pathan
Yusuf Pathan was one of the most impactful all rounders of his era in the IPL, known for his fearless batting and useful off spin bowling. Representing teams like Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, he often changed the flow of matches during the middle overs. His ability to score quick runs and chip in with timely wickets made him a valuable player in every squad he played for.
In 174 IPL matches, Pathan scored 3,204 runs at an average of 23.13 and picked up 42 wickets, underlining his importance as a match-winner who contributed in both departments consistently.
| Batting | Bowling | ||||
| Inn | Runs | Avg | Overs | Wkts | Avg |
| 154 | 3204 | 23.13 | 189.1 | 42 | 33.02 |
3. Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard has been one of the biggest reasons behind Mumbai Indians’ long-term success in the IPL. His powerful batting in the final overs has helped his team finish innings strongly and win many close matches.
Along with his batting, Pollard’s smart medium pace bowling has provided timely breakthroughs when needed. His athletic fielding, especially in the outfield, further adds to his overall impact.
In 171 innings, he scored 3,412 runs at an average of 28.67 and took 69 wickets from 246 overs, proving his value as a dependable and complete all rounder in IPL history.
| Batting | Bowling | ||||
| Inn | Runs | Avg | Overs | Wkts | Avg |
| 171 | 3412 | 28.67 | 246 | 69 | 31.26 |
2. Shane Watson
Shane Watson was one of the most dominant all rounders to ever play in the IPL, delivering match-winning performances for both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. His aggressive batting at the top of the order gave teams strong starts, while his reliable medium pace bowling made him a constant threat in all phases of the game.
Watson had the rare ability to take control of big matches on his own, which was clearly seen through his memorable centuries in IPL finals.
In 141 innings, he scored 3,874 runs at an impressive average of 30.99 and claimed 92 wickets from 338.1 overs, making him one of the most impactful all rounders in IPL history.
| Batting | Bowling | ||||
| Inn | Runs | Avg | Overs | Wkts | Avg |
| 141 | 3874 | 30.99 | 338.1 | 92 | 29.15 |
1. Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina stands at the top of the list as one of the greatest all rounders in IPL history due to his unmatched consistency and impact. Representing Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Lions, Raina was the backbone of the middle order and delivered countless match-winning innings under pressure.
His aggressive batting style allowed teams to maintain momentum in crucial phases of the game. Along with his runs, Raina also contributed with useful spin bowling when required.
In 205 IPL matches, he scored 5,528 runs at an average of 32.52 and picked up 25 wickets, proving his long-term value as a reliable and influential all rounder.
| Batting | Bowling | ||||
| Inn | Runs | Avg | Overs | Wkts | Avg |
| 200 | 5528 | 32.52 | 154.2 | 25 | 45.80 |
Top 20 Best All Rounders in IPL History
Below is a detailed list of the top 20 all rounders in IPL history, featuring players who made a lasting impact through their performances with both bat and ball across multiple seasons.
| Player | Teams | Mat | Inns (Bat) | Runs | Bat Avg | Overs (Bowl) | Wkts | Bowl Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S K Raina | CSK, GUJ | 205 | 200 | 5528 | 32.52 | 154.2 | 25 | 45.80 |
| S R Watson | RRO, RCB, CSK | 145 | 141 | 3874 | 30.99 | 338.1 | 92 | 29.15 |
| K A Pollard | MIN | 189 | 171 | 3412 | 28.67 | 246 | 69 | 31.26 |
| R A Jadeja | RRO, KTK, CSK, GUJ | 254 | 198 | 3260 | 27.86 | 676 | 170 | 30.52 |
| Y K Pathan | RRO, KKR, SUN | 174 | 154 | 3204 | 29.13 | 189.1 | 42 | 33.02 |
| G J Maxwell | DDV, MIN, KXI, RCB | 141 | 135 | 2819 | 23.89 | 170.2 | 41 | 34.46 |
| Yuvraj Singh | KXI, PWI, RCB, DDV, SUN, MIN | 132 | 126 | 2750 | 24.77 | 144.5 | 36 | 29.92 |
| H H Pandya | MIN, GTI | 152 | 140 | 2749 | 28.34 | 271.2 | 78 | 31.95 |
| A D Russell | DDV, KKR | 140 | 115 | 2651 | 28.20 | 301 | 123 | 23.28 |
| J H Kallis | RCB, KKR | 98 | 96 | 2427 | 28.55 | 290.2 | 65 | 35.28 |
| D R Smith | MIN, DCH, CSK, GUJ | 91 | 89 | 2385 | 28.39 | 89.5 | 26 | 31.15 |
| J-P Duminy | MIN, DCH, DDV | 83 | 77 | 2029 | 39.78 | 113 | 23 | 36.26 |
| M P Stoinis | KXI, RCB, DDV, LSG | 109 | 99 | 2026 | 28.14 | 148 | 44 | 32.93 |
| A R Patel | KXI, DDV | 162 | 124 | 1916 | 22.02 | 550.3 | 128 | 31.61 |
| S P Narine | KKR | 189 | 122 | 1780 | 17.62 | 724.1 | 192 | 25.64 |
| K H Pandya | MIN, LSG, RCB | 142 | 118 | 1756 | 22.23 | 399.4 | 93 | 32.10 |
| D J J Bravo | MIN, CSK, GUJ | 161 | 113 | 1560 | 22.61 | 519.5 | 183 | 23.83 |
| M R Marsh | DCH, PWI, RPS, SUN, DDV, LSG | 55 | 49 | 1293 | 27.51 | 93.2 | 37 | 21.49 |
| Moeen Ali | RCB, CSK, KKR | 73 | 59 | 1167 | 22.02 | 142.2 | 41 | 25.10 |
| I K Pathan | KXI, DDV, SUN, RPS, GUJ | 103 | 82 | 1139 | 21.49 | 340.3 | 80 | 33.11 |
Analyzing the Best All Rounder Season by Season
To understand who truly stands out as the best all rounder in the IPL, it is important to look at performances season by season. Different players have dominated different editions of the tournament by making strong contributions with both bat and ball.
In the 2020 season, Marcus Stoinis played a key role for Delhi Capitals, scoring 352 runs and taking 13 wickets with consistent all round performances.
The 2021 season belonged to Ravindra Jadeja, who delivered a brilliant campaign for Chennai Super Kings by scoring 227 runs at a strike rate of 145.51 and picking up 13 important wickets.
In 2022, Hardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans from the front, scoring 487 runs and taking 8 wickets while guiding his team to the IPL title in their debut season.
The 2023 season saw Rashid Khan produce outstanding all round displays for Gujarat Titans, scoring 130 runs at a strike rate of 216.66 and claiming 27 wickets. Looking ahead, several emerging all rounders are beginning to make their presence felt in the IPL.
Players such as Venkatesh Iyer, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel are showing strong potential and could become the next major all round stars of the league.
Conclusion
All rounders have always been the backbone of successful IPL teams because they provide balance and flexibility in every match situation. Their ability to contribute with both bat and ball allows teams to adapt quickly, especially during high pressure moments. Whether it is scoring crucial runs, taking a match-changing wicket, or making a sharp catch in the field, all rounders often decide the outcome of close games.
Topping this list, Suresh Raina stands out for his consistency and impact across multiple seasons. His performances show that being the best all rounder is not just about statistics, but about delivering when it matters the most. As the IPL continues to grow and evolve, the role of all rounders will become even more important, ensuring their place as true match-winners and superstars of the league.
Who is the best all rounder in IPL history?
Based on overall performance, consistency, and long-term impact, Suresh Raina is considered the best all rounder in IPL history. His ability to score runs under pressure and contribute with part-time bowling made him a match-winner across multiple seasons.
Which foreign all rounder is the greatest in IPL history?
Among overseas players, Shane Watson and Andre Russell are widely regarded as the greatest all rounders. Watson delivered match-winning centuries in IPL finals, while Russell has repeatedly rescued his team in difficult situations.
Why are all rounders so important in the IPL?
All rounders bring balance to a team by contributing in more than one department. They help strengthen both batting and bowling without using extra players, which is crucial in the fast-paced T20 format where flexibility often decides matches.
