The 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was the sixth season of the tournament. The tournament was held from April 3 to May 26, 2013, and a total of 76 matches were played between nine teams.
Mumbai Indians emerged as the champions of the 2013 IPL, defeating Chennai Super Kings by 23 runs in the final. It was Mumbai Indians’ first IPL title, having finished runners-up in the 2010 and 2011 editions of the tournament.
Several players put up outstanding performances throughout the tournament, with some even breaking records along the way. Here are some of the standout performers from the 2013 IPL:
-
Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson was the highest run-scorer of the 2013 IPL, amassing 543 runs in 16 matches at an average of 38.78 and a strike rate of 143.56. The right-hander hit two centuries and three half-centuries during the tournament, and also picked up 13 wickets with his medium-pace bowling. -
Michael Hussey (Chennai Super Kings)
Australian opener Michael Hussey was one of the most consistent performers of the 2013 IPL. He scored 733 runs in 17 matches at an average of 52.35 and a strike rate of 129.50. Hussey hit six half-centuries during the tournament and played a crucial role in helping Chennai Super Kings reach the final. -
Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
West Indian opener Chris Gayle had another great season with the bat in 2013. He scored 708 runs in 16 matches at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 156.29. Gayle hit one century and six half-centuries during the tournament and was once again the mainstay of the Royal Challengers Bangalore batting lineup. -
Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings)
West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo was the highest wicket-taker of the 2013 IPL, picking up 32 wickets in 18 matches at an economy rate of 7.95. The medium-pacer was very effective with his variations and often provided crucial breakthroughs for Chennai Super Kings. -
Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
West Indian spinner Sunil Narine had another great season with the ball in 2013. He picked up 22 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 5.47, and was instrumental in helping Kolkata Knight Riders win their first IPL title.
These five players were undoubtedly the standout performers of the 2013 IPL, but there were several other players who put up impressive performances as well. Gautam Gambhir of Kolkata Knight Riders scored 406 runs in 16 matches, while Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bangalore scored 634 runs in 16 matches. Mitchell Johnson of Mumbai Indians and James Faulkner of Rajasthan Royals also had good seasons with the ball, picking up 24 and 28 wickets respectively.
Overall, the 2013 IPL was another exciting season of T20 cricket, filled with some memorable performances from the best players in the world. The league continues to attract the biggest names in cricket and is watched by millions of fans around the globe, making it one of the most popular cricket tournaments in the world.