And then there were 12

George Bailey – Kings XI Punjab

Handed the captaincy honours for his new team, Bailey has shown the sort of leadership nous and strategic thinking that has made him such an impressive leader in the 20-over game with Australia. Hasn't had to spend a great deal of time at the crease this tournament, but invariably gets the job done when called upon. Shapes as a key figure in the upcoming finals. 

Best knock: 40 not out (13) v Chennai Super Kings

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Glenn Maxwell – Kings XI Punjab

Maxwell became a superstar on the subcontinent in IPL7 and it isn't difficult to see why. Ultimately missed out on the orange cap for the most runs in the tournament, but hit more sixes than anyone and proved almost impossible to bowl to when he'd found his groove. Has shaved the beard for the finals and opted for the Mitchell Johnson mo - will it prove his lucky charm in the finals?

Best knock: 90 (38) v Chennai Super Kings

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Mitchell Johnson – Kings XI Punjab

Australia's miracle man over the past six months has generously leant his considerable talent - and menace - to IPL7. While others may have had better numbers, Johnson's reputation alone struck fear into plenty of opposition batsmen, and his name would have to appear at the top of the list labelled: 'bowler you'd least like to face'. All set to terrorise Kokata in the opening match of the finals series.

Best spell: 2-19 (4) v Royal Challengers Bangalore

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Shaun Marsh – Kings XI Punjab

Had to bide his time for a hit but Shaun Marsh looms as Kings XI's surprise packet for the finals. Devastating on his day, Marsh has had limited opportunities to exhibit his talent to date, however his two innings of 30 and 40 show the left-hander could be set to explode. 

Best knock: 40 (35) v Rajasthan Royals

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Mike Hussey – Mumbai Indians

Dropped four matches into this campaign, it would've been easy for Mr Cricket to shrug his shoulders and quietly slide into retirement. But Hussey has never done things the easy way. Upon his recall, he has turned the fortunes of Mumbai around, adding his experience - and a couple of half-centuries - to put some steel back into the reigning champs' title defence.

Best knock: 56 (33) v Delhi Daredevils

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Ben Dunk – Mumbai Indians

A stunning KFC T20 Big Bash League campaign for the Hobart Hurricanes was too good to ignore for Mumbai, picking up the left-hander on the cheap for IPL 7. His opportunity came at the expense of fellow Australian Mike Hussey, and like his predecessor failed to take his chance the first time around. 

Best knock: 20 (17) v Sunrisers Hyderabad

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Josh Hazlewood – Mumbai Indians

Talented right-arm fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is yet to feature this season, designated the drinks duties for the tournament thus far, and unlikely to appear in the finals.

Patrick Cummins – Kolkata Knight Riders

A benchwarmer for most of the tournament, but when Cummins did get a crack he made the most of it, starting with a wicket-maiden against CSK. The right-arm speedster will be fresh heading into KKR's final against Kings XI, and will be hoping to be unleashed by skipper Gautam Gambhir.

Best spell: 1-29 v Chennai Super Kings

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Chris Lynn – Kolkata Knight Riders

If nothing else, Chris Lynn’s IPL season will be remembered for taking a screaming catch on the boundary that sent the internet into meltdown. Also scored a lightning 45, but with few batting spots available Lynn has been sitting next to Cummins for most of the competition.

Best knock: 45 (31) v Royal Challengers Bangalore

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Ben Hilfenhaus – Chennai Super Kings

Hilfenahaus hasn’t featured in the back end of the competition, despite enjoying reasonable returns throughout much of IPL7. His delivery to dismiss Mike Hussey early in the IPL was one of the wickets of the tournament, and he faces Mr Cricket again in the eliminator.

Best spell: 2-32 (4) v Sunrisers Hyderabad 

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David Hussey – Chennai Super Kings

Signed by CSK midway through the tournament, Hussey was thrown in the deep end immediately, being handed the task of preventing Yuvraj Singh from scoring 10 from the final over in his side's match against RCB. He failed on that front, but nonetheless impressed with an assured 25 and a couple of wickets. Against Hyderabad in CSK's next match, Hussey really found his feet, blasting a couple of sixes in a whirlwind unbeaten 50 against Hyderabad. Takes on his brother in what should be a ripping contest. 

Best match: 50 not out (33) v Sunrisers Hyderabad

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John Hastings – Chennai Super Kings

The Duke didn't get a game in IPL7 until last week, when he took on state team-mate Aaron Finch and the rest of the Sunrisers Hyderabad XI in a high-scoring defeat in Ranchi. That was likely an appearance to rest others, and it will be a surprise to see Hastings feature in the knockout stages of the tournament.