IPL 2023: 5 Veterans Who Stole The Show in The Tournament

image-liab0q40Mohit Sharma rejuvenated himself in IPL 2023 [Source: AP]

On Monday, the sixteenth edition of the Indian Premier League marked its conclusion, with Chennai Super Kings defeating Gujarat Titans in the final and lifting the trophy. While youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill reached unprecedented heights, some experienced campaigners rolled back the clock to amuse the spectators. 

As the tournament is concluded, we list five such veteran players who performed at par with the young guns in the IPL 2023. 

Wriddhiman Saha

image-liaa83gsWriddhiman Saha in action [Source: AP]

Known as the pocket dynamite, Wriddhiman Saha showcased his brilliance with the bat throughout the tournament. 

Although his average read 23.18, the keeper-batter from Bengal consistently provided Gujarat Titans with brisk starts, playing the aggressor's role to perfection in the power play. 

Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in powering the Titans to a massive 214-run total in the final through a breathtaking knock of 54 runs, glittered with five fours and a solitary six. 

Piyush Chawla

image-liaa9g5nPiyush Chawla weaved his magic with the ball [Source: AP]

Generally, Mumbai Indians' pace department plays a crucial role for them in the IPL. However, things turned out to be completely opposite this time for the five-time champions, as veteran leg spinner Piyush Chawla emerged as their wrecker-in-chief with the ball. 

Arguably, Chawla was the lone shining light from MI's bowling unit, which had a string of miserable outings in the tournament. Overall, the wily spinner scalped 22 wickets, finishing as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. 

Ajinkya Rahane

image-liaac4mfRahane played several impactful knocks [Source: AP]

When Chennai Super Kings bought Ajinkya Rahane in the 2022 mega auction, it raised a few eyebrows, as fans and experts doubted his calibre. However, the stylish batter silenced his critics in style, helping CSK win many games through some breathtaking knocks. 

Overall, Rahane amassed 326 runs at an average of 32.60. However, it was his strike rate of 172.48 that received accolades from all corners of the world. 

Faf du Plessis 

image-liaaddikDu Plessis top-scored for RCB [Source: AP]

Faf du Plessis is ageing like a fine wine. After enjoying stellar success for Chennai Super Kings, the former South African skipper has established himself as the backbone of RCB batting lineup. 

The stylish right-handed batter finished the season as the second-highest run-getter, garnering 730 runs at a superb average of 56.15 and a blistering strike rate of 153.68. His partnership with Glenn Maxwell was a major highlight, scripting several clinical wins for RCB. 

Mohit Sharma

image-liaaenw9Mohit took the most wickets for GT [Source: AP]

Although Gujarat Titans lost the final battle to Chennai Super Kings, they should rejoice the resurgence of Mohit Sharma in the IPL 2023. 

Sharma, a vital cog in India's 2015 World Cup squad, faded away from the mainstream right after the IPL 2020. However, the Titans trusted in his abilities and he repaid the faith by performing admirably in the tournament. 

Overall, Sharma was the second-highest wicket-taker with 27 scalps at an outstanding average of 13.37. More importantly, he had an unbelievable strike rate of 9.81, speaking volumes for his incredible journey in the showpiece event.