Batsmen that can strike the ball big are a rare commodity in world cricket. They can single-handedly turn the games around for their teams with their strike rate. While teams like England, West Indies have plenty of such hitters in their line ups, sub-continent teams like India, Pakistan have lacked big hitters in the middle order in recent years.
Apart from the ability to hit the ball big, it is the consistency that also matters. Batsmen like Sanju Samson have added the power game to their repertoire but have struggled for consistency. However, there are some who have been consistently striking the ball at a strike rate of 200+. Let us take a look at some of the biggest hitters in the history of IPL who have played the most innings with a strike rate of more than 200.
#5. Yusuf Pathan- (21)
The older of the Pathan brothers, Yusuf, was once the most destructive batsman in Indian cricket. Like Hardik, Yusuf had a special liking for the spinners and could clear the fence with ridiculous ease. Who can forget his 37-ball century in the game against Mumbai in 2010?
Pathan accumulated 3200 runs in the IPL with a healthy strike rate of 142 and played 21 knocks with a striker rate of more than 200.
#4. M.S Dhoni (22)-
Although now in the twilight period of his career, ‘Mahi’ has been one of the biggest names in the IPL. His ability to hit the long ball may have dwindled over the years but Dhoni does give it a tonk when the ball is in his arc.
A veteran of 203 IPL games, Dhoni has a hugely impressive strike rate of 136 in the IPL. His power hitting in the death overs has guided Chennai to many memorable victories. Dhoni has 22 innings to his name with a strike rate of more than 200.
#3. Hardik Pandya- (22)
Indian cricket has been left with a void in the middle order ever since the glory days of Yuvraj Singh. Thankfully, India have found the missing chink with the arrival of Hardik Pandya. Pandya is arguably the biggest hitter in Indian cricket. His ability to hit huge sixes at will against the spinners sets him apart.
Despite having played just 78 matches, Hardik has played 22 innings for his franchise, the Mumbai Indians, with an impressive strike rate of 200+. His ability to hit sixes with a minimum of fuss is just a treat to the cricket fans.
#2. AB de Villiers – (24)
The “Mr.3600” of cricket is probably the most destructive batsman in world cricket. On his day, he can win games for his team single-handedly. His innovative stroke play sets him apart from others and makes him a very difficult batsman to bowl to.
ABD has played 24 innings in the IPL with a brilliant strike rate of 200+. He has been a finisher par excellence for his franchise the Royal Challengers Bangalore and has guided them to many crucial wins with some blazing knocks.
#1. Kieron Pollard- (26)
Kieron Pollard is amongst the legends of the IPL. He has been one of the most consistent performers for the Mumbai Indians and has guided them to 4 IPL titles. Pollard is amongst the biggest hitters of the world at the moment and has played 26 innings in the IPL with a strike rate of more than 200+.
Such lusty hitting has guided his team to competitive totals, laying down the platform for the bowlers to exploit. He has a staggering strike rate of 150 in the IPL with an impressive average of over 30.
