7 surprise performers of IPL 2015

5. Harshal Patel

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Harshal Patel

The RCB squad has always been notorious for its bowling line-up being below par, especially when compared to its batting prowess. But this time, the Bangalore bowlers did well, and Harshal Patel turned out to be a revelation – Yuzvendra Chahal had done well last season too, and Mitchell Starc is a seasoned warhorse.

Patel’s medium pace bagged 17 wickets at an amazing strike rate of 15.47, silently making him a regular presence in a team full of superstars. He bowled economical spells more often than not, and got crucial wickets at the right time.

6. Lendl Simmons

Roped in as a replacement for the injured Aaron Finch, Simmons took the Mumbai Indians all the way, and established himself as the batting mainstay. His knocks at the top, coupled with the opening partnerships he built, spearheaded the side all the way to the final.

Breaking the shackles of stereotypes, Lendl Simmons surprised as he stood out, despite not having been previously thought to be a game-changer in this format. He finished as the joint second highest run-getter with a massive 540 runs in the tournaments, and the Mumbai Indians owe much of their success in their quest for the trophy to him.

7. Chris Morris

Rajasthan Royals’ South African pacer Chris Morris

With figures of 4-23 and 3-19, Morris was at the top of the pack of the Rajasthan bowlers. He bowled with discipline and aggression alike, and was often responsible for the Royals getting off to a good start with the ball throughout the tournament.

The scorecard may not reveal how useful he has been to his side throughout the tournament. He was handy with the bat too, and an overall surprise package for the Rajasthan Royals this season.