Imran Tahir has been the standout South African performer thus far in the 10th edition of the IPL .

Many eyebrows were raised, particularly in South Africa, after the world’s best T20 bowler was overlooked by every single IPL franchise at the auction.

The late withdrawal of Mitchell Marsh from the Rising Pune Supergiant squad through injury opened the door for the snubbed Proteas spinner. The Pune-based team had little hesitation in signing Tahir as Marsh’s replacement.

Tahir has more than repaid the lifeline RPS have handed him, by picking up 16 wickets in 10 matches with best figures of 3-18. He sits second in the wicket charts and is the highest-placed overseas player.

The 3-18 Tahir claimed against the Royal Challengers Bangalore underlined his status as a proven match-winner. He kept the run rate down at a time when RCB were bidding to revive their innings, while also picking up the wickets of Pawan Negi, Adam Milne and Samuel Badree.

Only two days later Tahir stamped his authority once again against the Gujarat Lions, by removing the dangerous Aaron Finch and Dwayne Smith as he finished with figures of 3-27 in four overs, and set up a five-wicket victory for his team.

VIDEO: IPL