Former CSK player and RCB captain Faf du Plessis chose MS Dhoni as the best finisher in IPL history.
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo and playing in the “winner remains” format, Faf du Plessis was asked to name the best finisher in the IPL.
Yusuf Pathan, early contender
In the early stages of the game, former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan – at least in du Plessis’s opinion – prevailed over players like Albie Morkel, Rahul Tewatia, Rinku Singh and Shashank Singh.
Yusuf Pathan was in a rare category of Indian batsmen who could generate that much power, especially during the middle and late overs. His spin bowling also helped and his heroics led his team to three IPL titles – in 2008 for Rajasthan Royals, and in 2012 and 2014 for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Pathan’s magnum opus in the IPL was arguably a rescue act in the 2010 season when he scored a century off just 37 balls. This was the fastest IPL century at that time and is still the third fastest century in terms of balls faced.
Du Plessis eventually chose fellow South African Heinrich Klaasen in place of Pathan and the current SRH batsman remained in the game for a longer period.
Klaasen dominates the middle stage
Faf du Plessis praised Klaasen and preferred him over established names like Dinesh Karthik, David Miller, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Glenn Maxwell and Tim David.
Since joining Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2023, Heinrich Klaasen has been a vital part of their aggressive batting approach and has closed many matches for SRH by building on the platform given by their aggressive openers. When SRH finished runners-up in 2024, Klaasen was a key part of the batting line-up. In 2025, Klaasen scored a century against Kolkata Knight Riders in just 39 balls.
Outgoing Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya prevailed against Klaasen, but his stay was not a long one.
Dasher Dhoni wins award as Faf du Plessis crowns him GOAT finisher
Although Faf du Plessis preferred Andre Russell over Pandya, he chose five-time IPL captain MS Dhoni over Russell and gave him the go-ahead. Du Plessis has been a part of three IPL title-winning teams with Chennai Super Kings and all of those teams were led by Dhoni.
Dhoni then faced stiff challenge from both AB de Villiers and Kieron Pollard and was named the best IPL finisher ever by Du Plessis.
Dhoni’s prowess in the death overs is the stuff of legend, and there are countless tales of how he led CSK to victory in his heyday. Not to mention his exploits as a five-time IPL trophy-winning captain.
Also Read: CSK provides official update on MS Dhoni, Ayush Mhatre’s return and Khaleel Ahmed’s replacement
As of now, Dhoni has not been seen in action for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 due to his calf strain and subsequent recovery from injury. Hopefully he returns soon, especially as CSK are struggling in the tournament at the moment.
Best IPL finisher according to @faf1307___ is 🍿 pic.twitter.com/7T9nvfZWEi
– ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) 20 April 2026
After opting out of playing in IPL 2026, Faf du Plessis has joined the commentary panel for this year’s tournament and has become a fan favorite with his insights.
