Steve Smith, Hilfenhaus most efficient in IPL 5

The most significant statistical change in the just-concluded Indian Premier League has been the reduction in the percentage of dot balls faced by batsmen compared to the previous year. Strikingly, this reduction in dot balls has resulted in more singles than last year. There has been a two percent drop in dot balls, and a near-identical increase in the number of singles.

This year's tournament also saw a substantial increase in the number of sixes, while there was a slight drop in the fours scored.

The table below indicates this.

Distribution of balls faced in IPL 2011 and 2012

Pune Warriors' Steve Smith had just 70 dot balls out of the 267 that he faced in IPL V. His dot-ball percentage of 26.22 was the lowest among batsman who faced at least 48 balls. Paul Valthaty, one of the stars of IPL 2011, had the worst dot-ball percentage (68.63) this time around.

Rahul Dravid had the most dot balls (186), followed by Chris Gayle (173), Shikhar Dhawan (163) and Ajinkya Rahane (160). That didn't stop Gayle winning the Orange Cap for leading run-scorer though.

Batsmen with lowest percentage of dot balls (Qualification: 48 balls or more)

Batsmen with highest percentage of dot balls (Qualification: 48 balls or more)

Batsmen who faced the most dot balls

Chennai Super Kings' Ben Hilfenhaus had the distinction of delivering the highest percentage of dot balls (53.40) in IPL 2012 - by far the best among bowlers who delivered at least 60 balls. At the other end of the scale, Sourav Ganguly's dot-ball percentage was among the worst (19.67).

Praveen Kumar sent down the most dot balls in the competition (179), followed by Sunil Narine (169) and Morne Morkel (161). Morkel was also the leading wicket-taker in the tournament.

Bowlers delivering the highest percentage of dot balls (Qualification: at least 60 balls)

Bowlers delivering the lowest percentage of dot balls (Qualification: at least 60 balls)

Bowlers who bowled the most dot balls