Faf du Plessis has shared his opinion on the best finisher in IPL history and picked MS Dhoni as the number one. During a fun “winner stays on” style chat, he compared several big names and made his final choice. In this process, players like Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya were not selected at the top.
How the discussion started
At the beginning, Faf du Plessis chose Yusuf Pathan as the best finisher. He rated Pathan above players like Albie Morkel, Rahul Tewatia, Rinku Singh, and Shashank Singh.
Yusuf Pathan was known for his powerful hitting, especially in the middle and death overs. He also contributed with spin bowling when needed. He played an important role in winning three IPL titles.
Yusuf Pathan IPL Achievements
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| IPL Titles | 3 (RR 2008, KKR 2012, 2014) |
| Famous Knock | 100 off 37 balls (2010 IPL) |
| Role | Finisher + Part-time bowler |
His 37-ball century in 2010 was one of the fastest in IPL history and made him a strong contender in this debate.
However, Faf later moved ahead in the discussion and selected Heinrich Klaasen over Pathan.
Klaasen’s strong impact as a finisher
Faf du Plessis praised Heinrich Klaasen and ranked him above many famous finishers. Some of the players he placed below Klaasen include Dinesh Karthik, David Miller, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Glenn Maxwell, and Tim David.
Klaasen has been a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad since 2023. He has played an important role in finishing matches and keeping the team’s aggressive batting style strong.
Also See : CSK Look for Khaleel Ahmed Replacement, Akash Madhwal on Radar for IPL 2026
Heinrich Klaasen Performance Highlights
| Year | Performance |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Became a key SRH finisher |
| 2024 | Helped SRH reach final |
| 2025 | Scored 100 off 39 balls vs KKR |
His ability to finish games under pressure made him stand out, and Faf selected him ahead of Pathan in the middle stage of the discussion.
MS Dhoni chosen as the GOAT finisher
In the final decision, Faf du Plessis named MS Dhoni as the greatest IPL finisher. He placed Dhoni above players like Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, and Hardik Pandya.
Faf has played under Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings and has seen his finishing skills closely. Dhoni is known for staying calm in pressure situations and finishing matches in the last overs.
Why Dhoni stands at the top
| Factor | Reason |
|---|---|
| Match Finishing | Wins games in last overs regularly |
| Experience | Long IPL career with consistent impact |
| Leadership | Led CSK to multiple titles |
| Calmness | Handles pressure better than most players |
Dhoni’s finishing ability and captaincy have made him one of the most respected players in IPL history.
Dhoni’s IPL 2026 update
In IPL 2026, Dhoni has not played yet due to a calf injury. His return is expected soon, especially as Chennai Super Kings are facing some early struggles this season.
Faf du Plessis moves to commentary
Faf du Plessis has stepped away from playing in IPL 2026 and is now part of the commentary panel. His analysis and insights have been appreciated by fans, and he has become a popular voice during matches.
FAQs
Who did Faf du Plessis pick as the best IPL finisher?
Faf du Plessis picked MS Dhoni as the greatest IPL finisher.
Did Faf consider Yusuf Pathan in the discussion?
Yes, he initially selected Yusuf Pathan but later moved ahead with Heinrich Klaasen.
Which players were left out at the top level?
Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya were not chosen as the top finisher in Faf’s final decision.
Why is MS Dhoni called the best finisher?
Because of his ability to win matches in pressure situations and his consistent performance in death overs.
What is Faf du Plessis doing in IPL 2026?
He is part of the commentary panel after stepping away from playing.
