5 best South African batsmen in IPL

South African players have been an integral part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) right from the time it started. From the likes of Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis to AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn, they have been important members of their respective sides over the years.

As far as South African batsmen are concerned, 5 players have scored more than 1000 runs in the IPL. And all 5 of them feature in the list of the best South African batsmen to have played in the IPL.

Note – Stats are accurate as on 31st March 2018.

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#5 Faf du Plessis

A lot of people remember the India-South Africa 2011 World Cup game for Robin Peterson’s last over heroics, but there was a batsman at the other end who remained calm and composed and scored a 23-ball 25. That batsman was Faf du Plessis. However, despite getting starts in most of his innings, du Plessis had a sedate first year in international cricket.

But the current South African skipper was picked up by Chennai Super Kings in the 2012 auctions. He repaid the franchise’s faith with some vital contributions. Opening the batting, he amassed 398 runs in 12 innings in his maiden IPL season. After a good first season, du Plessis continued to be an integral member of the CSK team. In each of the next two seasons with CSK (in 2014 and 2015), du Plessis scored more than 300 runs.

But when CSK were banned for two years, the South African skipper became a part of Rising Pune Supergiant. However, he could play only 8 games across the last two seasons owing to injury concerns.

But with 1295 runs in 46 innings, du Plessis is one of the best South African batsmen to have played in the IPL.

#4 JP Duminy

JP Duminy was a part of Delhi Daredevils for 3 years

JP Duminy made his ODI debut way back in 2004 and his career didn’t quite take off as he couldn’t convert his starts. But the tour to Australia in 2008/09 changed things drastically for the left-hander. He scored 175 runs in 4 ODIs, but it was his T20 exploits that caught the attention of the world. He scored 78 and 69 not out against a quality Australian attack which led to Mumbai Indians picking him up in the auctions in 2009.

He scored 529 runs in 19 innings at an average of 37.79. In 2011, he was picked by Deccan Chargers and played for them in 2011 and 2012. But it was when he turned out for Delhi Daredevils in the last three years that he truly came out of his shell. He amassed 1015 runs in 35 innings at an average of 44.13 and a strike-rate of 130.80.

Overall, the South African left-hander has played 77 games and has scored close to 2000 runs at an average nearing 40.

#3 David Miller

David Miller will play his 7th season for KXIP this year.

David Miller is one of those overseas stars who cemented his place in the national side after his exploits in the IPL. In 2012, Kings XI Punjab obtained the services of the hard-hitting left-hander. He played only 6 games in that season, but the Punjab franchise continued their association with him.

In 2013, he set the IPL on fire with some clean striking. One of his best ever knocks also came in that season. At 64/4 after 10 overs, KXIP were reeling in their chase of 191. However, Miller single-handedly took Punjab home as he struck a magnificent 38-ball 101. He was retained by KXIP in 2014 and he continued to be one of the star performers for the Punjab franchise.

In a season where KXIP made it to the final, Miller contributed with 446 runs and was the second-highest run-getter for Punjab after Maxwell that season. He continued his form through the next season as well where he scored 357 runs. However, his form dipped and he was dropped mid-way through last season. However, KXIP have retained their faith in him and used their RTM card to buy him back during the auctions.

#2 Jacques Kallis

Kallis was a part of the IPL for 7 years as a player

Jacques Kallis is undoubtedly one of the best all-rounders the game has ever seen. He is also arguably one of the greatest South African cricketers of all time. Considering his reputation, Kallis was picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a whopping 900,000 US Dollars. He played three seasons for RCB and was one of their best performers.

He amassed 1132 runs in 42 games at an average of 31.44 for RCB. After three successful years with the Bangalore franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders bought Kallis for $1.1 million. He played four seasons and was a part of two title-winning squads (in 2012 and 2014). One of his best IPL knocks came in the 2012 final when he struck a superb 69 to help KKR chase down 191 and lift the title.

Overall, Kallis has played 98 games and scored 2427 runs. He has the second-most runs by a South African in the IPL.

#1 AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers is often called Mr 360 for his ability to hit shots all around the ground

AB de Villiers is arguably the best South African batsman to have played in the IPL. The kind of association and bond de Villiers has created with RCB and Bangalore is simply phenomenal. He is one of the most-loved foreign cricketers in India. In fact, whenever he turns out to play for South Africa, fans chant his name all over India.

De Villiers started off with Delhi Daredevils and played there for 3 seasons. But it was only when he moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011 he found supreme consistency. For RCB, he has played 100 games and has scored 2755 runs at an average close to 40 and a strike-rate touching 160. His exploits and range of shots have often left the world awestruck.

His bond and partnership with Virat Kohli have defined RCB over the last 7 years. De Villiers’ special association with Bangalore is set to continue as he will represent RCB in the upcoming season. With 3473 runs across the 10 seasons, de Villiers is the 10th highest run-getter in IPL history.