The Indian Premier League (IPL), over the years, has provided the opportunity for youngsters in India to rub shoulders with greats of the game. The T20 tournament was introduced specifically for cricket in India to blossom, but the overseas players have also starred, with a few also making their careers in this very league.
The impact of the foreign players has been immense since 2008, and it should be no different in IPL 2024. Let’s examine some rules regarding overseas players in the IPL.
IPL Rules around Overseas players
Ever since its inception, the IPL guidelines have been very clear and consistent about the rules related to foreign players. In a squad of 25 players, a maximum of eight non-Indian players are allowed. A maximum of 4 foreign players can play, when it comes to featuring in the playing XI. While most teams make sure to fill all four slots, there have been instances when teams have opted to play with fewer foreign players in the playing XI.
Moreover, the impact player rule has made it interesting for overseas players as well. If a team has four overseas players in its playing XI, then they cannot use another such cricketer as an impact player.
A team needs to have three or fewer foreigners in the playing XI to use the fourth overseas cricketer as an impact player during the match. This has been done to adhere to the limit of four overseas players.
Let’s take a look at the top foreign players from last season. These players will likely have a big impact on the upcoming season as well.
Top Overseas Batters in IPL 2023
Overseas batters, especially at the top of the order, have always played a crucial role for their respective teams in the history of IPL, let alone the 2023 edition. Last season, as many as seven foreign players scored 400 or more runs, which shows how important they are for the franchises and is the reason why they are paid a huge amount at the auctions.
1. Faf du Plessis (RCB)
The RCB skipper led from the front with the bat last year and was the second-highest run-getter of the season. Faf amassed 730 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 153.68 and an average of 56.15, with a stunning eight half-centuries to his name. Despite his efforts, RCB couldn’t win their maiden IPL title. The search for the elusive trophy continues for Faf in IPL 2024.
2. Devon Conway (CSK)
Devon Conway opened the innings for CSK and made sure he got them off to brilliant starts every single time. The left-handed Kiwi batter smashed 672 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate closer to 140 and an average of 51.69, hitting six fifties along the way. Conway also played a crucial role for CSK in the final against Gujarat Titans to help them lift the trophy and was adjudged Man of the Match.
3. David Warner (DC)
David Warner led Delhi Capitals in the absence of Rishabh Pant in IPL 2023, and as expected, performed well with the bat. He scored 516 runs in 14 innings with six half-centuries at a strike-rate of 131.63. Warner will once again be opening the innings for Delhi Capitals this season and will be keen on bettering his effort from previous years.
Top Overseas Bowlers in IPL 2023
Compared to the batters, the foreign bowlers didn’t dominate as much last year with the Indian bowlers topping the charts. Even then, the likes of Rashid Khan and Matheesha Pathirana were among the top 10 wicket-takers in IPL 2023. Let us have a look at their performance last season.
1. Rashid Khan (GT)
Rashid Khan was the best spin bowler last season in the IPL. Due to his game-changing abilities and a knack for winning games from impossible positions, one must check the prediction for today’s IPL match for upcoming and live games. Rashid played 17 matches picking 27 wickets at an average of 20.44 and a strike-rate of 14.88 with an economy of 8.23. He is considered one of the most accomplished T20 players.
2. Matheesha Pathirana (CSK)
Matheesha Pathirana played in the IPL for the first time last year, and with his slingy action like Malinga, the youngster impressed everyone. He picked up 19 wickets in 12 innings at an average of 19.52 and a strike-rate of 14.63. He played a crucial role in CSK winning the title for the fifth time in IPL history.
3. Noor Ahmed (GT)
Noor Ahmed was the surprise pick from the Gujarat Titans last season. He played in 13 matches for GT, including the finals where he bowled an economical spell of 2 for 17. Overall, Noor Ahmed accounted for 16 scalps at an average of 23.06 and a strike-rate of 17.68. His economy of 7.82 was also one of the best among the bowlers in IPL 2023.
Predictions for Top Overseas Players in IPL 2024
Like last year, even in IPL 2024, many overseas players will take part and try to make a big impact for their respective franchises. While some are featuring for the first time, many foreign cricketers are veterans of the cash-rich league.
Going by the current form of players, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh are two of the overseas cricketers who could be among the top performers in IPL 2024. Also, the likes of Devon Conway and Faf du Plessis are expected to be on top of their skills this season. Among bowlers, yet again, expectations will be from Rashid and Pathirana, with the latter certainly expected to put up an improved show.