The Indian Premier League will celebrate it’s 13th birthday in April next year when the eight franchises take on the field to claim might and power. When one looks back at the IPL’s journey from Rajasthan Royals winning the first title to Mumbai Indian’s winning their fourth last year, an entire reel of images is played before the eyes, images that we’d share with our grandchildren on long April afternoons in 2080.
Indian Premier League was not all just about an exhibition of Indian domestic talent but also invited the prolific overseas players to add more fun to this festival. These overseas players have been an integral part of the league and have worked equally towards its success. It’s like a huge family now and some of the family members are loved more than the others. Here is a list of 5 most loved overseas players in the IPL history:
1) Chris Gayle
The Universe boss set the IPL alight since his debut with Kolkata Knight Riders. He is now the first batsman to reach 300 IPL sixes, boasts the highest individual score in the league and also has the highest number of centuries in the league. Fans love him not only because of the sheer entertainment he serves but also because of his contribution in making the IPL a major t20 league by attracting so many eyeballs.
2) AB De Villiers
This man has never held an IPL trophy or has won any other major global event in his career, but the love he gets is unparallel. AB De Villiers has been a very important organ of IPL, not only as a batsman who has continuously scored runs but also as a player who is a delight to watch. Mr. 360 hits the bowlers for acrobatic maximums and surprises everyone including his teammates.
3) David Warner
Not many Australians are liked by the Indian audience but Warner and his ‘never give up’ attitude makes hin special. The left-handed opener has turned tides many times with his individual performances. He is the highest (foreign) run-scorer in the league and has shown consistency every time he has come out with a bat. David also captained the Sunrisers Hyderabad to their maiden title victory in 2016.
4) Kieron Pollard
The Jamaican has been a part of a major chunk of entertainment in the league. His heroics and one-handed efforts in winning games for the Mumbai Indians make him the most loved foreigner at the Wankhede. Pollard doesn’t only bat or bowl well but has raised the bar of all the fielders with flying and diving catches all around the field.
Kieron’s passion also makes him do certain things the opponents wouldn’t like but he surely makes up for it.
5) Dwayne Bravo
You want someone to bat well, bowl amazingly and field like Spiderman, then Dwayne Bravo is the only choice. Bravo’s celebration and enthusiasm after anything good that happens to his team, is worth watching. The Caribbean’s story includes various stellar performances one of them being the opening game of 2018 where the all-rounder single-handedly won the game for Chennai Superkings.
