Aussie IPL player ratings

George Bailey – Kings XI Punjab

Skipper of the Kings XI Punjab, Bailey has led his new outfit with aplomb. Entering late in the innings, usually off the back off some Maxwell-Miller carnage, Bailey has played the role of finisher, either lifting a first innings total to dizzying heights or guiding his team to victory.

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

Image Id: ~/media/3381DE13A0E2427EB92149FBCD84C9EE

Glenn Maxwell – Kings XI Punjab

The Big Show has arrived. Brilliant in the World T20 in Bangladesh, Maxwell’s power game has gone to a new level in IPL 7. From the traditional to the unorthodox, the allrounder has proven almost impossible to set a field to, defying opposition captains with audacious stroke play that borders on arrogance.

Best knock: 90 (38) v Chennai Super Kings

Image Id: ~/media/CD116F42F1DC40268C78A12739CD7748

Mitchell Johnson – Kings XI Punjab

Six months after the initial growth, Mitchell Johnson’s moustache continues to terrorise opposition batsmen the world over. The numbers don’t do the fast bowlers output justice, often providing wickets at the other end when fleeing batsman attempt to attack something friendlier. In a team full of impact players, Johnson puts the ‘x’ in x-factor.

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

Image Id: ~/media/6487A986247842E49FFBD9C393AE1599

Shaun Marsh – Kings XI Punjab

So formidable have the Kings XI been, even a prolific IPL run scorer like Shaun Marsh can barely get a game. With a top four spot locked in, Marsh replaced South African David Miller for the final clash with Mumbai, scoring a quick-fire 30 from 17 balls. Not a bad guy to have in the sheds if injury strikes.

Best knock: 30 (17) v Mumbai Indians

Image Id: ~/media/1CAF57BFC9864449BA0064A8BDDC7A30

Nathan Coulter-Nile – Delhi Daredevils

A promising start to IPL 7 was cut short in only his second match, injuring his hamstring sliding for a ball in the first over. Coutler-Nile looked to be a steal at the auction, producing 2-27 from four over in his only match, promising much more with both and ball.

Best spell: 2-27 (4) v Kolkata Knight Riders

Image Id: ~/media/7A7F581AB5F74C75BF47D18E81B033B7

Mike Hussey – Mumbai Indians

Mr Cricket went to Mumbai as last season’s leading run scorer, adding experience and talent to an inexperienced batting group. Four matches in, Hussey was dropped. The Sydney Thunder captain produced only 30 runs in his first four innings, struggling to gather any rhythm in the UAE. True champions never lie down, and Hussey proved he’s got the steel of a champion when he returned with a classy half-century.

Best knock: 56 (39) v Rajasthan Royals

Image Id: ~/media/B14621A8307347FD916DA9571193986A

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

Image Id: ~/media/EAA1BDB82860495BB43259033D4C442F

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.

Mitchell Starc – Royal Challengers Bangalore

Leading the attack for the Royal Challengers, Starc has been vicious with the new ball and deadly later in the innings. Called upon by captain Virat Kohli to bowl the final overs, Starcs’s inswinging yorkers continue to prove impossible to manipulate when quick runs are in high demand. Fully fit and firing, Starc’s IPL form could be the catalyst for a big summer much like it was for Mitchell Johnson in 2013.

Best spell: 2-21 (4) v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Image Id: ~/media/E09F4568BC1B44E1A14C23E80463B06E

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. KKR are still a big chance to make the play-offs, so expect to see more from the Scorchers spearhead.

Best spell: 1-29 v Chennai Super Kings

Image Id: ~/media/3C223A931E1140AA824EF3C3975A97A5

Chris Lynn – Kolkata Knight Riders

If nothing else, Chris Lynn’s IPL season will be remembered for one of the great recoveries, taking a screaming catch on the boundary that sent the internet into meltdown. His 45 came in quick time, 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

Image Id: ~/media/D64944622CB84D3FAAEA2953DED7B642

Shane Watson – Rajasthan Royals

Carrying a reputation as broad as his shoulders, Watson won’t be completely happy with his output this season. A dual IPL MVP, Watson’s modest numbers don’t stack up kindly to his previous campaigns. Still, he’s taken a hat-trick, batted well and led his side to a top-four spot. He’s due for a big score, so opposition teams beware.

Best match: 31 (20) & 3-21 (4) v Kolkata Knight Riders

Image Id: ~/media/89E95BF340DF4409BBAE2A4C5C3A22A2

Steve Smith – Rajasthan Royals

Used as a lower-order finisher by captain Watson, Smith has been electric at the crease in IPL 7. His partnership with James Faulkner against RCB to chase down a huge total from nowhere shows just how much confidence the New South Welshman is playing with. Identified as Michael Clarke’s heir apparent, Smith has done himself no harm with another sensational season.

Best knock: 48 not out (21) v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Image Id: ~/media/7B9189D5454F4D39B08D954F19BA1B4A

James Faulkner – Rajasthan Royals

A revelation for the Royals last year, Faulkner’s return with the ball hasn’t matched his deeds with the bat. No target is safe when the Tasmanian is at the crease, adding another chapter his increasing volume of impossible run chases when he and Smith plundered Bangalore. A premier limited-overs allrounder, Faulkner is primed for another big summer.

Best match: 1-42 (4) & 41 not out (17) v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Image Id: ~/media/F385D1A1C2034E82B5C926A1920ADC25

Brad Hodge – Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan, like Punjab, are blessed with a deep batting list, so deep that one of the greatest run scorers in T20 cricket history sits on the sideline. Hodge’s experience around the group is paying dividends as the Royal’s young batsmen continue to step up. Left with mission impossible in his second game, Hodge will be hoping for another run before season’s end.

Best knock: 40 (30) v Mumbai Indians

Image Id: ~/media/FD848FE386F547B4925B19FCC90552CA

Kane Richardson – Rajasthan Royals

Bought for a motza last season by the now defunct Pune Warriors, Richardson is living up to his high price tag for the Royals. The Strikers fast man has revelled in his role with the new ball, constantly among the top-order wickets. He ripped open Bangalore’s top-order when they crumbled for 70, and has formed strong partnerships with New Zealand’s Tim Southee and Faulkner.

Best spell: 2-18 (4) v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Image Id: ~/media/DCDE57DD19F545139904D3E29EE5C0B2

Ben Cutting – Rajasthan Royals

Just the one game for Cutting, but what a game! Belts a 101m six, takes a great catch (after dropping a sitter), gets a wicket and wins the game. Pity Rajasthan are flying otherwise we might have seen more of the Heat allrounder. 

Best spell: 1-31 v Delhi Daredevils

Image Id: ~/media/FF571C9CE5E24B9BB2E43A1C9D087198

Ben Hilfenhaus – Chennai Super Kings

The forgotten man of Australia’s fast bowling battery, Hilfenhaus’s form has again been solid the Super Kings. The Hurricanes seamer continues to be a threat with the new ball, swinging the ball away from the right-hander in all conditions. Hasn’t featured in the back end of the competition, but he did produce a ripper to remove Mr Cricket. 

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

Image Id: ~/media/29C5D08F19864FD1AAFE33C7C90C6DBF

David Hussey – Chennai Super Kings

Signed by CSK midway through the tournament, Hussey was thrown in the deep end immediately. His patient 25 against RCB helped steady the ship, and was then left with the unenviable task of bowling the last over of the match. A more experienced T20 player you won’t find, Hussey could provide the edge Chennai need heading into the play-offs.

Best match: 25 (29) & 2-38 (2.5) v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Image Id: ~/media/273AFA307168417EAA9F918932A00B3A

John Hastings – Chennai Super Kings

The Duke is yet to wear the bright yellow of CSK on the playing field, acting as chief hydration officer throughout the season. Despite not playing a game, the experience gained from training with the likes of MS Dhoni, Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith is invaluable. 

Image Id: ~/media/3E03C6A563224EA89502BF42645B94A0

David Warner – Sunrisers Hyderabad

Warner’s purple patch of form has continued into the IPL, leading the way for the Sunrisers. Used mainly in the middle order by coach Tom Moody, calls for Warner to bat at the top of the order to be exposed to more deliveries were answered in his last match, providing dividends immediately with a powerful 59. Hyderabad might have left their run a little late, but the way Warner Is playing the title window is still open.

Best knock: 55 not out (31) v Mumbai Indians

Image Id: ~/media/93D604C880674A05B38CF99E5A0F9B75

Aaron Finch – Sunrisers Hyderabad

The number one T20 batsman in the world has struggled at times opening for Hyderabad. Be it the slow wickets or onslaught of spin, Finch hasn’t found the consistency that elevated him to the world’s best. His unbeaten 88 against Delhi was a display of power hitting we’ve come to expect from Finch, blasting sixes over cover on one knee. His numbers are solid of not spectacular, and with a player so dangerous he remains a huge threat for opposition teams.

Best knock: 88 not out (53) v  Delhi Daredevils

Image Id: ~/media/A360DE5396044747AB35F32EE08FED91

Moises Henriques – Sunrisers Hyderabad

Henriques has been given limited opportunities this season, interchanging with West Indian Darren Sammy in the allrounder position. His exploits with the bat have not been a true reflection of his talent, while his variety with ball has been utilised by captain Shikhar Dhawan in different stages of the innings. A proven performer in big games, Henriques could be the man to get Hyderabad into the play-offs.

Best match: 2-26 (3) v Delhi Daredevils