The T20 game is entirely based on which team sets the tone first to determine the course of the innings. Powerplay batting is an important aspect as far as team strategies are concerned.
Over a decade, the Indian Premier League (IPL) treated viewers with a barrage of boundaries during the first six overs of the game. With the restrictions in place, the field is usually aggressive with more men in the circle.
Therefore, the batting team uses it as a window of opportunity for maximising scores. Here, we look at the top five batsmen who have scored the most runs during powerplays:
5. Parthiv Patel
The pocket-size dynamite batsman from Gujarat has lit up several IPL games on his own with his aggressive strokes, piercing gaps in the covers. Parthiv is one of the finest players of the flicks and pulls on the leg strokes as well. Parthiv has a tally of 1904 runs during the first six overs, striking the ball at a rate of 121.66.
4. Chris Gayle
The Universe Boss has often stolen the show in the IPL with his batting fireworks, during the first six overs in the game. Despite his recent change in attitude, often allowing himself time to get in, Gayle strikes the ball at 134.52, amassing 2233 runs in powerplay overs.
3. Gautam Gambhir
The Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) were fortunate to have the services of Gautam Gambhir at the top. The classy stroke maker holds a tally of 2277 runs in the powerplays, at a brisk strike rate of 121.9. He stands third amongst the leading run-scorers during the first six overs of the IPL.
2. David Warner
Sunrisers Hyderabad has dominated in the powerplays on the back of David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan at the top. Compiling 2299 runs at a rapid strike-rate of 139, the explosive southpaw has often led the way with the bat for the Sunrisers. Warner holds the second place in the list of all-time highest scorers during the first six overs of the game.
1. Shikhar Dhawan
The Hyderabad based franchise was blessed to have the top two run-scorers in powerplays at the top-order, facing the new ball.
Batting of Dhawan during the powerplays is one of the beautiful sights in the game. With exquisite stroke-making, Dhawan has the most number of boundaries in the IPL.
With 2383 runs to his name, Gabbar has dominated batting in powerplays, amassing the most number of runs.
