Forget the limit of four overseas players per team, we’ve picked a whole XI of imports.

Here’s Wisden’s IPL overseas team of the tournament:

Quinton de Kock – Mumbai Indians (wk)

16 matches, 503 runs @ 35.92, SR: 140.50

South Africa’s limited-overs captain played a key role in Mumbai Indians’ title defence, firing consistently at the top of the order. After 48 runs from his first four innings of the tournament, de Kock picked up the pace in October, at one stage reeling off the following sequence of scores: 67 (39), 23 (15), 53 (36), 78* (44), 53 (43) and 46* (37).

David Warner – Sunrisers Hyderabad

16 matches, 548 runs @ 39.21, SR: 134.64

39.21 – this was the lowest David Warner has averaged in a season for Sunrisers Hyderabad, which speaks volumes of his achievements over the last six years. More Reverend than Bull at the start of the season, his trademark aggression returned with knocks of 66 (34) and 85* (58) in must-win games against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. He then struggled in the playoffs, but it remained a solid overall campaign for the Aussie.

Chris Gayle – Kings XI Punjab

7 matches, 288 runs @ 41.14, SR: 137.14

T20 cricket’s most prolific run-scorer watched on from the sidelines as Kings XI Punjab floundered in the first half of the tournament. His return signalled a change in fortunes, with five wins on the bounce beginning and ending with half-centuries from Gayle. A 99 followed in a loss to Rajasthan Royals, confirming the 41-year-old’s ability to still battle with the best.

AB de Villiers – Royal Challengers Bangalore

15 matches, 454 runs @ 45.40, SR: 158.74

He’s still very much got it. The South African legend made that very clear in this tournament, striking at close to 160 and delivering some remarkable innings. After striking an unbeaten 55 from 22 balls to deliver a win out of nowhere against Rajasthan Royals, de Villiers received lofty praise from his RCB head coach Simon Katich: “He’s a freak, isn’t he? That’s why he’s the greatest of all time.”

Nicholas Pooran – Kings XI Punjab

14 matches, 353 runs @ 35.30, SR: 169.71

Beyond pulling off one of the greatest pieces of fielding you’ll ever see, Pooran was electrifying to watch on occasions during the tournament, striking 25 sixes – the most by an overseas player.

Kieron Pollard – Mumbai Indians

16 matches, 268 runs @ 53.60, SR: 191.42

As others in front of him excelled, Pollard’s services were often left unrequired. But when he did take to the crease, you couldn’t keep your eyes off him, such was the power and ferocity of his ball-striking. He finished top of the strike-rate charts, and the average wasn’t too shabby either.

Jason Holder – Sunrisers Hyderabad

7 matches, 14 wickets @ 16.64, ER: 8.32 | 66 runs @ 33, SR: 124.52

Holder only found his way into the tournament after Mitchell Marsh was ruled out with injury, and he was at the heart of the Sunrisers’ resurgence later in the piece, picking up a bucketload of wickets and keeping his cool in two successful chases against RCB.

Jofra Archer – Rajasthan Royals

14 matches, 20 wickets @ 18.25, ER: 6.55 | 113 runs @ 18.83, SR: 179.36

Despite his Rajasthan Royals side finishing at the bottom of the pile, Jofra Archer was rewarded with the IPL’s MVP tag after an incredible season. Firing with the ball in the powerplay, Archer carried the RR attack and also stood out for his work with the bat, finishing with the second-highest strike rate in the tournament.

Rashid Khan – Sunrisers Hyderabad

16 matches, 20 wickets @ 17.20, ER: 5.37

Afghanistan’s leg-spinning sensation had his most phenomenal IPL season yet, going at under six an over to hold the best economy rate in the tournament. Even blocking him out didn’t stop the wickets falling, however, as his 20 wickets in the season was eclipsed by only one other spinner, India’s Yuzvendra Chahal.

Kagiso Rabada – Delhi Capitals

17 matches, 30 wickets @ 18.26, ER: 8.34

Forming a fine partnership with his compatriot Anrich Nortje, Rabada played a significant role in Delhi Capitals’ best-ever IPL performance, finishing as the Purple Cap holder with his 30 wickets in the competition.

Trent Boult – Mumbai Indians

15 matches, 25 wickets @ 18.28, ER: 8.39

The New Zealand quick’s breakthroughs in the powerplay were a regular sight and defining aspect of Mumbai’s dominance. Delhi, who he played for in 2018 and 2019, must have been sick at the sight of him by the end of the tournament; his last three games of the campaign were against his former side, in which he returned combined figures of 8-60.